HOSPICE OF CENTRAL OHIO EARNS JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION FOR ITS COMMUNITY-BASED PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM

Hospice of Central Ohio has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^®by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care. In addition, Hospice of Central Ohio earned “deemed” status, which indicates a provider meets or exceeds Medicare conditions of participation. Hospice of Central Ohio is also one of the few hospice organizations in Ohio to receive simultaneous Joint Commission certification in Community Palliative Care services and accreditation for home health care services. Accreditation evaluates the quality and safety of healthcare organizations, provides an audit of the delivery of critical services and patient care and validates continuous improvement efforts of healthcare providers.

Hospice of Central Ohio underwent a rigorous on-site survey that examined compliance with standards regarding the provision of care, treatment and services, emergency management, human resources, individual rights and responsibilities, and leadership. The accreditation process also provided Hospice of Central Ohio with education and guidance to help staff continue to enhance its program performance.

Established in 1988, The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation Program supports the efforts of its accredited organizations to help deliver safe, high-quality care and services. More than 6,000 home care programs currently maintain accreditation, awarded for a three-year period, from The Joint Commission.

“Hospice of Central Ohio is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” said Hospice of Central Ohio President/CEO Kerry Hamilton. “Accreditation honors the hard work and dedication of our staff in providing superior care and superior services of the highest standards. Staff from across our organization continue to work together to strengthen the continuum of care and to deliver and maintain optimal hospice care services for members of our community.”

Hospice of Central Ohio has provided a holistic, community-based approach to hospice care for over 30 years. Hospice of Central Ohio is a not-for-profit organization serving nine counties in Central Ohio and is dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with life-limiting conditions. The Selma Markowitz Inpatient Center is located on the 6th floor of Licking Memorial Hospital. In addition, Palliative Care of Central Ohio, a service of Hospice of Central Ohio, is among the few Ohio palliative care services certified by the Joint Commission.

Hospice of Central Ohio is a member of Ohio’s Hospice, a partnership of mission-driven, not-for-profit hospices in Ohio committed to a shared vision of strengthening and preserving community-based hospices.

The Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commissionseeks 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 accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit 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.