Which agency is responsible for handling confidentiality protections associated with the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005?

The correct agency responsible for handling confidentiality protections associated with the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 is the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. This agency plays a crucial role in implementing and enforcing federal health information privacy laws, including those that pertain to the confidentiality of patient safety work product as established by the Act. The Office of Civil Rights ensures that patient safety data collected to improve the quality of care is adequately protected and confidentiality is maintained, allowing healthcare providers to share information without fear of legal repercussions.

In contrast, while the other agencies mentioned have important roles within the healthcare system—such as overseeing Medicare and Medicaid services, conducting research to enhance healthcare quality, and providing funding for health-related studies—they do not specifically manage the confidentiality protections established under the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act. Thus, their focus is either on service provision or health research, rather than on enforcing confidentiality laws directly related to patient safety work.