Joint Commission Accreditation:
The Quality Distinction

Rigorous Evaluation. National Recognition. Continuous Improvement. A Commitment to Quality. Confidence in Your Health Care. These are just some of the things that accreditation by the Joint Commission means to us and you.

We voluntarily take part in the accreditation process to ensure our commitment to providing quality health care. We seek accreditation from the Joint Commission because it is the industry leader and symbolizes excellence, experience, and professionalism - qualiities we embrace on a daily basis.

A nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of care provided to the public, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has earned its reputation as the industry leader. Since 1951 it has worked with health care experts, providers, researchers, purchasers, and consumers to develop the industry's highest standards for health care delivery. Today, the Joint Commission accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations nationwide, including

• Hospitals
  
• Home care and hospice organizations
• Ambulatory care providers
• Laboratories
• Long term care and subacute care facilities
• Long term care pharmacies
• Behavioral health care organizations
• Health care networks, including managed care organizations

The Accreditation Process

A team of health care professionals conducts an on-site survey of each organization seeking accreditation. The team interviews staff and patients, residents, or clients; reviews documents; examines the physical surroundings, and spends time observing how each organization delivers care. Then the team evaluates the organization's overall performance against the Joint Commission's nationally recognized standards and reaches an accreditation decision.

But accreditation doesn't stop there. Education, consultation, and ongoing monitoring of accredited organizations are some of the ways the Joint Commission ensures that accreditation goes beyond the on-site survey. In partnership with the organization it accredits, the Joint Commission helps build an environment that supports continuous improvement which is evident in each organization's commitment to quality.

What Accreditation Means

Achieving accreditation is an accomplishment we're proud of, and rightfully so. It means we have made the grade, that we have been recognized for complying with rigorous national performance standards that promote quality health care delivery.

Most importantly, our accreditation demonstrates that improving patient care is our ongoing commitment. It means that the quality of the health care we deliver to you is our top priority.