Formerly Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ’s broad programs of research bring practical, science-based information to medical practitioners and to consumers and other health care purchasers. AHRQ’s mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.