Program Overview
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program is one of the largest federal programs dedicated to improving the quality of health care at the community level. The American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) Quality Improvement program is a strategic partner of the QIO program. Through the AIAN program, CMS seeks to advance its mission through partnerships with tribal communities, and Medicare-certified facilities, including Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribally managed healthcare facilities, Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), and AIAN nursing homes. The AIAN QI program helps to solve the most pressing AIAN healthcare challenges.
What is the AIAN QIO?
The AIAN QIO is an expert group focused on enhancing the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and communities, opportunities are identified to offer supportive resources, including technical assistance, education, and data-driven tools that enhance care processes and strengthen outcomes for beneficiaries. Their efforts support national goals to improve community health. Services provided by the AIAN QIO are voluntary and at no cost to eligible providers.
Program Structure
The AIAN QI Program operates across 11 regions nationwide, with the QIO held fully accountable for all quality improvement work within each region. This regional structure ensures that key partnerships, tribal communities, and provider engagement is managed comprehensively and cohesively at the local level. The AIAN QIO is expected to establish a strong and visible leadership presence within their region, forming an American Indian Alaska Native Quality Improvement Collaborative (AIAN QIC) that includes C-Suite leadership and community partners to drive accountability and measurable outcomes.
Priority Focus Areas:
Preventive Health and Wellness
- Vaccinations
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer Prevention
- Oral Health
- Nutrition
- Annual Well Visits
Behavioral Health
- Depression and Suicide Prevention
- Substance use Disorders
- Safety Events
Facility Readiness, Capacity Building, and Leadership
- Certification and Accreditation
- Education and Training
- Provider and Staff Wellness
- Staffing Resources
- Resource Development, Coordination, and Strategic Planning
- Climate Readiness