What is one main objective of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) concerning healthcare quality?

One main objective of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to improve the quality of healthcare. This focus on quality is essential because the ACA introduced various provisions aimed at enhancing patient care and health outcomes. The law established frameworks for quality measurement, reporting, and improvement, thereby incentivizing healthcare providers to deliver better services and adopt evidence-based practices. Through initiatives like Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Pay for Performance programs, the ACA set in motion a shift towards a healthcare system that prioritizes value over volume, ultimately aiming to provide patients with safer, more effective, and responsive care. This emphasis on enhancing healthcare quality is foundational to the ACA’s broader goals of reforming the healthcare system.