In The Netherlands, quality assurance activities in hospitals began in 1976 with a formal declaration of the National Specialists Organization that quality assurance is a task of the medical profession. It was also recognized that physicians in hospitals were as yet unable to execute the various tasks that come with formal quality assurance. Hence the creation of a support organization that would assist clinicians in taking up and fulfilling their commitment to quality assurance. The creation of CBO took place in 1979; its role has been expanded to encompass such functions as technical assistance, education and training, research and development, acting as a clearinghouse, and providing a forum. CBO has recently obtained an additional function: acting as a role model for similar structures in other countries in Europe and on other continents. A network of support organizations has been formed through which the development of quality assurance in health care is furthered.