A Journey towards Patient-Centered Healthcare Quality (PDF)

Jean D. Moody-Williams, RN, MPP, enjoys a long history of improving quality, safety and value in healthcare. Starting as a registered nurse, she gained clinical experience that informed her approaches in several policy positions at the private, state and federal levels. She is currently the Deputy Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, United States Department of Health and Human Services. She is a part of a leadership team that provides national direction on policy activities for Quality Improvement, Survey and Certification, Quality Measurement, Coverage and Analysis, Learning and Action Innovations Models and many of the country's Value Based Purchasing programs including the new Medicare Quality Payment Program (QPP). This program fundamental changes clinician reimbursement for clinical care.
Prior to joining CMS, Ms. Moody-Williams served as an executive at a number of entities working to improve care for patients and families including, the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC), the National Resource Center for Health Policy and Strategies, Quality Improvement Organizations and a health care system in Dallas.
She is a recent recipient of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal awarded by the Partnership for Public Service and was recognized as the Federal Employee of the Year. Ms. Moody-Williams is also the recipient of the 2016 President of the United States Meritorious Rank Award and the 2018 President's Distinguished Service Award. These awards are the highest given to Senior Executives demonstrating unparalleled leadership skills and a strong dedication to achieving tangible results. She is the author of the book, Transitions, Trust and Triumph: A Daily Devotion for Caregivers. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Hampton University and a Masters of Public Policy and Management from the University of Maryland, College Park. She and her husband are the proud parents of