USA Health University Hospital earns accreditation from the Joint Commission

By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu

USA Health University Hospital has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in hospitals.

The accreditation award recognizes University Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with Joint Commission standards. The academic acute care hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey this spring. A team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

"With Joint Commission accreditation, we continue to make a significant investment in quality care at our hospital,” said Sam Dean, University Hospital administrator. “Joint Commission accreditation provides a framework to move our organization forward and helps us continue to strive daily for the culture of safety and excellence necessary to help our patients lead longer, better lives.”

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions regarding the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts, providers, measurement experts, and patients.

The Joint Commission has accredited hospitals for more than 60 years. More than 4,000 general, children’s, long-term acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and specialty hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission, awarded for a three-year period. In addition, approximately 360 critical access hospitals maintain accreditation through a separate program.