Advocacy - Lab Advocate
After years of funding uncertainty, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) might get a boost, thanks to the efforts of key members of Congress. AACC is supporting the effort led by Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), urging legislators to provide additional funding for the Agency. AACC is a longstanding member of the Friends of AHRQ and has a rich history of working with the agency, which plays a leading role in such areas as evidence-based medicine, the development of quality indicators, and the reduction of medical errors. AHRQ has long been a target for those seeking to reduce the scope of government. In 2015, there were congressional efforts to eliminate the agency. In lieu of termination, Congress cut the AHRQ budget by eight percent. AACC opposed the reduction.
Blumenthal and Van Hollen have rallied support from more than 40 of their colleagues on letters to congressional appropriators opposing additional cuts in AHRQ spending. In fact, the two legislators are seeking a $30 million increase in 2017—which is consistent with the President’s budget request. AACC and the Friends of AHRQ are supporting these budgetary efforts by contacting House and Senate appropriators in support of additional funding.