According to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, what was formed to oversee current QIOs?

The formation of Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSROs) was a key aspect of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as it established a framework to enhance the quality of care in the Medicare program. Under this act, the role of PSROs evolved into what are currently known as Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs), which were tasked with reviewing healthcare services and ensuring they met established quality standards.

These organizations were crucial in promoting the efficiency and efficacy of healthcare services for Medicare beneficiaries. By overseeing QIOs, the act aimed to focus on quality improvement initiatives that could lead to a higher standard of care, thereby directly impacting patient outcomes and satisfaction. This direct oversight emphasizes the commitment of the Medicare program to monitor and enhance healthcare quality, aligning with broader goals of healthcare reform initiated in the late 1990s.

The other options do not reflect the specific framework established under the Balanced Budget Act. Medicare Advantage Plans and Managed Care Organizations are related to the structuring of health insurance products within Medicare but do not have a direct role in overseeing QIOs. The Healthcare Services Program does not pertain to the oversight of quality improvement organizations as established by the act.