St. Mary's awarded Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced COPD certification

St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), a member of Marshall Health Network (MHN), has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

This is the seventh consecutive Advanced COPD recertification for SMMC’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.

The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for advanced COPD. The certification also evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.

SMMC’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in December. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“COPD is a very common diagnosis in our community and Marshall Health Network is committed to providing high quality care for those living with this chronic disease,” said Hoyt Burdick, MD, chief medical officer, MHN. “The Joint Commission reviewers were highly complementary of our program and results, which validates the innovation and dedication of our staff and physicians to helping our patients live their best lives.”

“Advanced COPD Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend St. Mary’s for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

For more information about The Joint Commission, visit www.jointcommission.org. For more information about SMMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation, visit www.st-marys.org.