The Joint Commission, an independent organization that sets the standards for evaluating healthcare quality in America, recently announced that Erlanger Health System has retained full accreditation for 2008.
Since 2006, all accreditation reviews by the Joint Commission have been unannounced. Erlanger's 2008 review was its first unannounced visit by Joint Commission surveyors. To maintain and earn accreditation, organizations must have an extensive on-site review by a team of Joint Commission healthcare professionals at least once every three years.
"The surveyors were very complimentary of the Erlanger staff and the patient care processes," said Louise Hall, Erlanger accreditation coordinator.
The purpose of the review is to evaluate the organization's performance in areas that affect patient care. Accreditation may then be awarded based on how well the organizations met Joint Commission standards. The Joint Commission evaluates the quality and safety of care for more than 15,000 healthcare organizations.
Earlier this year, Erlanger earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. It is the only hospital in Tennessee to achieve certification as a Primary Stroke Center.