The primary mission of the Council is to provide an independent, non-partisan deliberative body of recognized experts to identify critical issues generated by health system change, analyze the economic impact of such changes, and disseminate findings to national policy makers, health services researchers, industry leaders, and the general public.

Although the principal focus of the Council will be on economic issues, the Council will also consider the implications of system changes for access to health care services and for quality of care. The Council will strive to generate new ideas for improving both the financing and delivery of health care services.

The Council will pursue its mission through the following specific objectives:

• Identify critical issues brought about by health system change

• Conduct original research and commission research from technical experts

• Create a forum for discussion of issues among Council members, health services researchers, representatives of Congress, Congressional staff, representatives of related governmental agencies, industry leaders, and members of the press

• Issue background papers, research findings, journal articles, press releases, and policy recommendations (as appropriate)

• Provide analytical leadership by formulating topical research agendas for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and/or other health services research organizations and government agencies

• Provide the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with a flexible model that has the organizational capacity to address current health policy issues in a timely fashion, perform independent research and effectively disseminate findings.