A component of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), which is in turn a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Its stated mission is to be “the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, -reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services”. AHCPR’s broad programs of research, clinical guideline development, and technology assessment are designed to bring practical, science-based information and technology to consumers and medical professionals.