Complete CPHQ NAHQ Materials

According to the NAHQ CPHQ exam blueprint, the first step in an FMEA is to define and map the process being evaluated. This includes identifying each step in the process to understand how work is actually performed.

Option D is correct because failure modes, causes, and risk scoring cannot be accurately identified until the process steps are clearly defined.

Options A and C occur later in the FMEA sequence. Option B is retrospective and not required for a proactive FMEA.

The CPHQ exam emphasizes FMEA as a proactive risk assessment tool, beginning with process mapping to support safe system design.

The NAHQ CPHQ competency framework stresses that effective implementation of peer review programs requires education and role clarity before case evaluation begins. Providing training on peer review principles, confidentiality, scoring methods, and program expectations ensures consistency, fairness, and legal protection.

Reviewing charts or presenting results before training may lead to unreliable findings and undermine the credibility of the program. An implementation timeline alone does not prepare committee members to perform their responsibilities effectively.

The CPHQ exam emphasizes that education is a critical success factor in quality governance structures. Therefore, training the committee is the appropriate next step in the implementation phase.

The NAHQ CPHQ exam blueprint emphasizes selecting teams with direct process ownership, technical expertise, and operational influence. Admission source accuracy primarily involves registration workflows, case management, and coding, with financial oversight.

Team A is correct because it includes:

CFO sponsor (financial impact awareness),

Director of Quality leader (measurement and improvement expertise),

Registration staff (data entry),

Case manager (admission status determination),

Coding manager (data validation and reporting).

Other teams lack key frontline roles or appropriate sponsorship. The CPHQ framework highlights that improvement teams must include those closest to the data and process, making Team A the best choice.

In the Patient Safety domain, NAHQ emphasizes that committees responsible for infection prevention must prioritize data-driven risks to patient safety. An increase in infection rates represents an immediate threat requiring analysis, intervention, and monitoring.

While reviewing procedures, onboarding staff, and approving minutes are important governance activities, they do not address urgent patient harm risks. NAHQ guidance consistently prioritizes emerging trends, outbreaks, or performance deterioration over routine administrative tasks. Therefore, Option C is the highest-priority agenda item.