May 12, 2011 –
MAYETTA(May 12) The Prairie Band Health Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in ambulatory care organizations. The accreditation award recognizes the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey last winter. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the health center for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.
Since 1975, The Joint Commission has developed state-of-the-art standards for outpatient ambulatory care organizations. Nearly 1,900 freestanding ambulatory care organizations maintain Joint Commission accreditation.
“Organizations that strive for accreditation in ambulatory care from The Joint Commission are demonstrating the highest commitment to quality and safety to their patients, staff and their community,” says Michael Kulczycki, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “I commend the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center for successfully achieving this pinnacle and for its dedication to continually improving patient care.”
“We recognize Joint Commission accreditation as the Gold Seal for providing safe, high quality patient care. Achieving accreditation from The Joint Commission is a team effort that will bring confidence to our patients and give us a framework to provide the best care possible,” says Dr. Terry Harter, Medical Director of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center.
The Joint Commission’s ambulatory care standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of an ambulatory care organization. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.