The assessment or measurement of the quality of care and the implementation of any necessary changes to either maintain or improve the quality of care rendered is:

 # The assessment or measurement of the quality of care and the implementation of any necessary changes to either maintain or improve the quality of care rendered is: 

A. Quality Assessment 

B. Quality Assurance 

C. Quality Planning 

D. Guidelines 

The correct answer is B. Quality Assurance.

The ADA defines quality assessment as 'the measure of the quality of care provided in a particular setting'. 

Quality assurance in turn is defined as 'the assessment or measurement of the quality of care and the implementation of any necessary changes to either maintain or improve the quality of care rendered'.

The difference in these definitions is important: Quality assessment is limited to the appraisal of whether or not standards of quality have been met, whereas quality assurance includes the additional dimension of action to take corrective steps if needed to improve the situation.