This paper presents an overview of quality management, organization of the health care system in general as well as improvements and advancements made in Croatian public health care. Further, it provides an outline of the development and implementation of quality systems in the European Union and the Republic of Croatia. Current research pertaining to the administration of a quality management system in Croatian health care is addressed. Improving the quality of the health care system represents an important part of health policies that have an effect on better treatment, services and outcomes resulting in greater health care user satisfaction. The implementation of a quality management system and the use of accreditation and certification processes in health care institutions results in an increase in the level of quality of health services, which is the ultimate goal of any health care system. Growing awareness of the beneficial effects of quality, the importance of achieving, maintaining, measuring and improving quality in health care has become increasingly important. Understanding the function and implementation of a quality management system in Croatian health care institutions is still unsatisfactory. In this context, a more efficient use of available resources, changes in behaviour and better education of all employees within the Croatian health care system particularly at the management level regarding quality is necessary.