Our Story
Founded in 1976, NAHQ is the leader in the development of industry-standard healthcare quality competencies and certification in healthcare quality.
NAHQ provides a strategic advantage to healthcare quality professionals and healthcare organizations in their quest to reduce variability in care delivery and drive value through improved outcomes.
- We are proud to offer the only accredited certification in healthcare quality, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality – the CPHQ®. Today, nearly 15,000 healthcare professionals hold the CPHQ globally.
- NAHQ exists to advance the healthcare quality profession and serves as the professional home for nearly 9,000 members.
Our Mission
To prepare a coordinated, competent workforce to lead and advance healthcare quality across the continuum of healthcare.
Our Vision
Healthcare quality competencies are increasingly recognized and valued as essential to achieving quality, safety, equity and value.
Code of Ethics and Conduct
View the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Healthcare Quality Professionals.
Builds capacity in healthcare professionals and organizations through competency development to make healthcare better.
Elevates human potential to make healthcare quality—and healthcare—better for everyone.
Makes healthcare quality an integral, clearly defined profession rooted in an industry-standard healthcare quality competency framework.
Our Leadership
The NAHQ Board of Directors are esteemed healthcare quality leaders who lead the development of NAHQ’s vision and mission.
Our Staff
NAHQ staff are dedicated to serving healthcare quality professionals by contributing their talents to support NAHQ's programs and advance its mission. View open positions.
Our History
NAHQ's successes are attributed to the great members and volunteers who work to further our mission.
NAHQ by the Numbers
9,000
Members
NAHQ members are equipped and empowered to do healthcare quality better, which in turn makes healthcare better.
~15,000
CPHQ Certified
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is the only accredited certification in healthcare quality. It validates knowledge of healthcare quality practices and competencies.
100+
Volunteers
More than 100 healthcare quality leaders volunteer their time and share their expertise each year to help us accomplish NAHQ’s goals. This collective effort helps elevate our visibility and credibility as an industry leader.
Work at NAHQ
Professionals who thrive in an innovative, fast-paced workplace will enjoy working at NAHQ. The organization may have been founded more than 40 years ago, but we possess the drive and optimism of a start-up.
Reach Healthcare Quality Professionals
Collaborate with NAHQ to reach approximately 30,000 healthcare quality leaders and decision makers.
NAHQ Trademarks
NAHQ® receives frequent requests from individuals and organizations to utilize NAHQ logos, marks and work products. Learn more about intended uses, solutions and instructions on how to properly request permission from NAHQ.
NAHQ Bylaws
The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for non-profitable purposes in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(6).
Donate to the Healthcare
Quality Foundation
The Healthcare Quality Foundation (HQF) promotes the continued advancement of the healthcare quality profession by supporting research and development, education and related activities.
Connect with NAHQ Members
Connect to a network of like-minded peers to support your long-term career success.
Review NAHQ's Annual Reports
NAHQ’s annual report provides members and the public an opportunity to review the organization’s initiatives, successes and financial status for the past year.
Stay Up to Date on NAHQ News
NAHQ is advancing knowledge of the healthcare quality profession.
NAHQ CEO Recognized as One of Modern Healthcare’s Top Women Leaders CHICAGO (February 20, 2023) – The National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) announced today that Stephanie Mercado, CAE, CPHQ,…
NAHQ ATO Program Aligns International CPHQ Preparation CHICAGO (January 23, 2023) – The National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) offers the healthcare industry the only accredited certification in healthcare quality,…
NAHQ Welcomes Senior Vice President of Organizational Workforce Solutions CHICAGO (December 1, 2022) – The National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) has announced the addition of Richard J. Bobos to…
NAHQ 2022 Awards Recognize Healthcare Quality Professionals CHICAGO (November 10, 2022) – Four healthcare quality professionals were honored at the National Association for Healthcare Quality’s® (NAHQ) virtual conference, NAHQ Next.…
Health Systems Collaborate with NAHQ to Standardize Competencies Three quality-driven organizations adopt NAHQ’s standard framework workforce solution for quality and safety. CHICAGO (November 9, 2022) – Standardizing competencies across…
Middle Tennessee State University Collaborates with NAHQ to Expand Graduate Program Healthcare Management Studies Slated to Include HQ Principles CHICAGO and MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Oct. 13, 2022) – Middle Tennessee State…