Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

The Congress and the Pres. need to have reliable, useful and timely financial and performance info. to make sound decisions on the current and future direction of vital fed. gov¿t. programs and policies. There is no assurance on the reliability of the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. gov¿t. due primarily to certain material weaknesses in the fed. gov¿ts. internal control. Unless these weaknesses are adequately addressed, they will, among other things: (1) hamper the fed. gov¿ts. ability to reliably report a significant portion of its assets, liabilities, costs, and other related info.; and (2) affect the fed. gov¿ts. ability to reliably measure the full cost as well as the financial and non-financial performance of certain programs and activities. Includes recomm.

The Institute of Medicine study Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001) recommended that an interdisciplinary summit be held to further reform of health professions education in order to enhance quality and patient safety. Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality is the follow up to that summit, held in June 2002, where 150 participants across disciplines and occupations developed ideas about how to integrate a core set of competencies into health professions education. These core competencies include patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. This book recommends a mix of approaches to health education improvement, including those related to oversight processes, the training environment, research, public reporting, and leadership. Educators, administrators, and health professionals can use this book to help achieve an approach to education that better prepares clinicians to meet both the needs of patients and the requirements of a changing health care system.