Krista Hughes, BCPA, the founder and CEO of Hughes Advocacy and Passion 4 Patients, was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Beccera to serve a three-year term on the National Advisory Council for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The council, which consists of 21 members from the private sector, provides advice to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on federal research needed to improve the way health care is delivered.

With over 25 years in the medical industry, Hughes' mission is to advocate for patients by educating and empowering them to be proactive with their health.

"I believe that bringing the patient's voice to this council will be instrumental in improving quality and patient safety across the country," she said. "All patients should be treated equally with dignity, compassion, and respect, and given the highest quality care."