Accreditation
What is The Joint Commission?
The Joint Commission (TJC)—formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization or JCAHO—is a nonprofit organization committed to improving healthcare nationwide. To this end, TJC offers a voluntary evaluation to hospitals and other healthcare organizations across the nation. This voluntary evaluation examines each organization that seeks accreditation, comparing it to the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized standards of quality healthcare. TJC has become the leader in its field, and accreditation from this organization is widely respected as a mark of quality healthcare.
How does an organization become accredited by TJC?
To become TJC-accredited, an organization must first request to be evaluated. The evaluation process is a rigorous, five-day survey that includes interviews of staff and patients, a full inspection of hospital documents, an examination of the physical environment, and observation of healthcare delivery. At the conclusion of the evaluation, the team of inspectors compares its findings to the national TJC standards and concludes whether the organization is worthy of accreditation. The national standards were revised just before the 2002 evaluation.
How did Valley Medical Center score?
On February 28, 2002, VMC scored 96 out of 100 possible points in the evaluation and was awarded full accreditation by TJC. This is one of the highest scores of surrounding area hospitals on the recently revised TJC evaluation and is among the best in the country. This means VMC has been nationally recognized for the high quality of care provided and for ongoing pursuit of improvement and innovation. Our entire healthcare team is committed to excellence, and we are proud to display the TJC accreditation that reflects our hard work and concern for our patients.
