What Is The Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission is a non-profit organization that certifies and accredits thousands of healthcare institutions and their programs across the United States.  The goal of The Joint Commission is “to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.”  Hospice of the North Coast is accredited by The Joint Commission.

FOUNDED IN 1951

Since its beginnings in 1951, members of the Commission have sought to encourage healthcare organizations to maintain focus on quality health care for every patient.  To that end, The Joint Commission organizes an on-site inspection of each healthcare association that wishes to receive their Gold Seal of Approval®.  Site inspections are conducted approximately every three years, with laboratories being inspected every two years to maintain the approval once it has been awarded.  A Board of Commissioners, consisting of a 32-member panel, governs The Joint Commission.  The Board’s members comprise doctors, nurses, educators, consumer advocates, quality experts, employers, and administrators.  The Joint Commission has 1,100 people as field staff with offices in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION

For patients and family members, knowing that an establishment has been accredited by The Joint Commission and awarded their Gold Seal of Approval® offers a sense of relief and comfort from the knowledge that industry professionals have found the organization to be worthy of their Seal.  This can help bring a sense of calm and peace with making the decision to utilize the accredited organization’s programs and services.  The safety and quality of patient care are concerns at the forefront of The Joint Commission’s agenda.  Patients and loved ones can rest a little easier knowing that programs and services are being watched over by a body of caring professionals as represented by The Joint Commission.

When searching for hospice care and related programs to ease the burdens of terminally ill patients and their families, know that Hospice of the North Coast genuinely cares about each one.