New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute

02/11/2026

The Quality Institute has released a new quality brief, “When Patients Speak”, that highlights practical steps health care organizations can take to turn patient concerns into actionable safety signals, including quick-win tools that can be implemented right away. From adjusting handoff templates to piloting escalation cards, there are achievable steps that can make a significant difference for patients.

📖 Read the full quality brief: https://njhcqi.info/qualitybriefing0226

02/05/2026

New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute President & CEO Linda Schwimmer, Board Chair of The Leapfrog Group, shares reflections during The Leapfrog Group’s 2025 Annual Meeting highlight video. Catch Linda’s remarks around the 1:13 mark and hear more about the importance of advancing patient safety and quality care across the country.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Leapfrog Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner in December to celebrate 25 years of driving transparency and safer care.
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The day was filled with inspiring stories from patient advocates, health care leaders, and partners who bring Leapfrog’s mission to life for patients and families nationwide. Check out our latest highlight video, showcasing inspiring moments and award recognitions from the day.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UP2Ggd4nRs

02/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning in Camden for our Member Breakfast and Engagement Event! 👏🎉 A special thank you to Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative for hosting.

Stockton University Rowan University Rutgers School of Nursing Senator Andy Kim KinderSmile Foundation Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Inspira Health Jefferson Health Bayer

02/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning in Camden for our Member Breakfast and Engagement Event! 🎉 It was wonderful to see so many members in one room and to have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our collective work to improve health care across New Jersey. A special thank you to Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative for generously hosting us. The space was fantastic for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

01/30/2026

Congratulations to Ward Sanders, President of Quality Institute member, New Jersey Association of Health Plans, on receiving NJ Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)'s Leonard C. Johnson Award at the 2026 Public Policy Forum. 👏 This award recognizes longstanding leadership in support of New Jersey employers and the state’s economic vitality. We are proud to acknowledge Ward’s well-deserved honor and his work advancing affordability and stability in New Jersey’s health insurance markets.

01/29/2026

Yesterday, Program Officer Armonie Pierre-Jacques, MPH, presented on the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s ongoing partnership with the American College of Nurse Midwives NJ - ACNM and our shared advocacy to improve access to midwifery care across New Jersey.

Presented to the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ national chapter, the discussion highlighted the Quality Institute’s midwifery policy work and advocacy training program, which helps prepare midwives and students to engage in the policy process and advance maternal health.

We are proud to continue this important collaboration in support of high-quality maternity care statewide. 👏

01/26/2026

01/26/2026

New Jersey has updated its rules for outpatient treatment centers to make it easier for patients to get whole-person care in one place. A new article from NJ Spotlight News explains what’s changing and features insight from Quality Institute Vice President of Policy Kate Shamszad on why these updates are important for both patients and providers.

📖Read the full article: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-rewrites-license-rules-for-outpatient-treatment-centers/

01/23/2026

In the new , Denise Anderson, PhD, MPH, inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing: A NJ Public Health Institute, discusses the establishment of New Jersey’s Public Health Institute and its role convening partners across the state. Dr. Anderson shares how policy, workforce development, and community collaboration will shape a more coordinated public health system statewide.

🔗 Read the full interview: https://njhcqi.info/takefive012226

01/23/2026

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute is recognizing Maternal Health Awareness Day. Check out Quality Institute Vice President of Policy Kate Shamszad’s blog sharing our work on Maternal Infant Health for 2026, including advancing the 4 Pillars in the Maternity Action Plan (MAP) for NJ.
🔗 Read the blog: https://njhcqi.info/ceoblog012226
🔗 Read the MAP4NJ: https://njhcqi.info/MAP4NJ

01/16/2026

A new report from Rutgers School of Public Health, developed in collaboration with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, examines how New Jersey is implementing its maternal and infant health laws enacted between 2018 and 2025.

The analysis finds that nearly 80% of these policies are fully operational statewide, reflecting meaningful progress under Nurture NJ. The findings also highlight the importance of sustained funding, coordination, and oversight to ensure these laws continue to improve outcomes for moms and babies.

🔗Learn more and read the full report: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-helps-track-new-jerseys-legislative-progress-advancing-maternal-and-infant-health