By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Beacon Children’s Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission’s on-site survey of Beacon Children’s Hospital occurred in September 2008.

“Beacon Children’s Hospital’s accreditation achievement is a demonstration of the organization’s leadership and staff commitment to excellence,” says Mary Cesare-Murphy, PhD, executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission accreditation required organization-wide dedication to providing safe, client-focused care, treatment and services.”

Jan Hill, Beacon Children’s Hospital Administrator, spoke of her pride in a staff whose members ask what needs to be done to be accredited by The Joint Commission. “In addition, they appreciate the educational aspect of the survey and the opportunity to interact with the team of surveyors.” She called the accreditation, “proof of an organization-wide commitment to provide quality care on an ongoing basis. Accreditation is a continuous process, providing insight into Beacon Children’s Hospital’s daily operations and delivery of safe, high quality care.”

Joint Commission accreditation involves not only preparing for a survey, but maintaining a high-level of quality and compliance with the latest standards. Beacon Children’s Hospital has also recently undergone a thorough on-site survey by the State of Alabama. The outcome of both quality inspections provided authority for Medicare certification. Achieving accreditation makes a strong statement to the community about the hospital’s efforts to provide the highest quality services. Joint Commission standards focus on state-of-the-art performance improvement strategies that help health care organizations continuously improve patient safety efforts and quality of care.