Joint Commision Awards Accreditation to Houston VA Medical Center

The Houston VA Medical Center has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized health care standards.

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 the Houston VA Medical Center occurred in September.

The hospital was surveyed and received accreditation for its hospital, long-term care, behavioral health care, substance abuse, and home care programs.

“Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in performance and care outcomes,” said Russell P. Massaro, M.D., executive vice president of accreditation operations for the Joint Commission. “The community should be proud that the Houston VA Medical Center is focusing on the most challenging goal – to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels.”

Houston VA Medical Center Director Edgar L. Tucker said he was proud of his staff, who took proactive measures to see that the Joint Commission accredited the hospital.

“In addition, they appreciate the educational aspect of the survey and the opportunity to interact with the team of surveyors,” he said. “The accreditation is proof of our commitment to provide quality care on an ongoing basis.”

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_15_02/page_17.html