The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the National Quality Forum are accepting applications for the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards.

The Eisenberg awards recognize individuals and health care organizations that make significant contributions to improving patient safety. The awards are the namesake of the respected leader in health care who passed away on March 10, 2002. Eisenberg spearheaded government efforts to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety as director of the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

"John Eisenberg made a lasting impression on health care in his commitment to improving the quality and safety of care delivered to patients," says Kennety W. Kizer, president and CEO of NQF. "The John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards program is our tribute to his life’s work."

Up to four awards are presented each year in the categories of individual achievement, system innovation (both nationally and locally) and research. Award winners are selected by a panel of experts. To be eligible for the individual achievement award, nominees must have demonstrated exceptional leadership in patient safety during their careers. Nominees for initiative/project-related achievement may be individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to patient safety through system innovation or research.

Nomination forms for the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards are available by clicking here or here. The deadline for nominations is May 27.