The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. Founded in 1990, it develops standards and measures to assess the performance of healthcare organizations, including health plans and providers. NCQA's accreditation programs help ensure that patients receive high-quality care. NCQA also focuses on transparency in healthcare by providing information on the quality of care delivered by various organizations. Through its initiatives, NCQA aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about their healthcare and to encourage continuous improvement in the healthcare system.