What is a primary function of AHRQ?

• A. Provide evidence-based information on health outcomes
• B. Regulate medical devices
• C. Set insurance premium rates
• D. Approve new drugs

Answer: (A)

Providing evidence-based information on health outcomes is the primary function of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This federal agency funds and conducts research to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, accessibility, and effectiveness of health care, then synthesizes and disseminates findings to clinicians, policymakers, and the public to inform decisions. Regulating medical devices, setting insurance premium rates, and approving new drugs are not AHRQ duties; those tasks belong to other entities such as the FDA for products and approvals, and insurers/regulators for premiums. So the emphasis on producing and sharing evidence about health care outcomes best captures AHRQ’s role.