NCQA launches Cohort 12 of data validation program with QMetrics

NCQA has opened Cohort 12 of its Data Aggregator Validation Program, with QMetrics continuing as exclusive validation partner. The July 2026 launch comes as healthcare groups prepare for digital quality measurement, FHIR-enabled exchange and tighter scrutiny of supplemental clinical data used in HEDIS® reporting.

Why it matters: - The program is designed to improve trust in supplemental clinical data used for healthcare quality reporting. - Better validation can strengthen data governance, operational processes and confidence in HEDIS® reporting. - The launch comes as healthcare organizations prepare for digital quality measurement and more interoperability.

What happened: - NCQA launched Cohort 12 of the Data Aggregator Validation Program in July 2026. - QMetrics is serving as NCQA's exclusive validation partner for the program. - Cohort 12 participants will begin validation activities in July 2026. - NCQA said the twelfth cohort reflects rising industry demand for trust in clinical data and confidence in its integrity.

The details: - The program began in 2021 and has become a nationally recognized framework for validating clinical data exchanged among healthcare organizations, data aggregators and health plans. - Participating organizations use the program to strengthen data governance, improve operations and increase confidence in supplemental clinical data used for HEDIS® reporting. - QMetrics has worked alongside participating organizations since the program's inception. - QMetrics has evaluated tens of thousands of clinical data sources through the program. - The validation work has helped establish consistent, repeatable validation practices intended to strengthen enterprise data quality. - Participating organizations often report stronger data governance and organizational accountability. - Other reported benefits include more robust Primary Source Verification processes, enhanced data validation and quality monitoring, standardized documentation and operational procedures, and greater confidence in supplemental clinical data used for quality reporting. - QMetrics was founded in 2006 by Suzan Mora Dalen, MPA, and is co-led with Chief Health Economist Jim Dalen, MA. - QMetrics focuses on quality measurement, regulatory compliance, data validation, provider surveys, advanced analytics and health equity. - NCQA defines HEDIS® as a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance. - More information is available on NCQA's program page. - More information about QMetrics is available at www.qmetrics.us or by email at info@qmetrics.us. - QMetrics also shares updates on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Between the lines: - The launch signals that validation is becoming a core part of the infrastructure for digital quality measurement, not just a compliance exercise. - The program's focus on repeatable processes suggests healthcare organizations are trying to reduce variation in how clinical data is checked before reporting. - QMetrics is positioning the validation work as a way to improve operational maturity as well as data quality.

What's next: - Cohort 12 participants will move through validation work during July 2026 and beyond. - NCQA and QMetrics will continue supporting organizations as healthcare shifts toward FHIR-enabled data exchange and digital quality measurement. - The program is likely to keep expanding as more organizations seek trusted clinical data for quality reporting.