The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, has recognized Mount Nittany Medical Center with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Achievement of Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies an organization’s dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients. Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center Certification has demonstrated that its program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.
The Medical Center underwent a rigorous on-site review on May 21. A Joint Commission expert reviewed the Medical Center’s’ compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements, such as collecting Joint Commission core measure data and using it for performance improvement activities.
“In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Mount Nittany Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients,” says Jean Range, MS, RN, CPHQ executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Mount Nittany Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003, The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the Brain Attack Coalition’s “Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers.” Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.
“We are thoroughly committed to providing our patients with the highest quality stroke care, centered on current scientific research to ensure continued improvement in treatment,” said Gail Miller, RN, MS, CPHQ, vice president for quality, Mount Nittany Medical Center. “I would like to personally thank all who were involved in helping us achieve this esteemed recognition. In addition to our Joint Commission accreditation, the Primary Stroke Center Certification has given us the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients, and help us improve care overall for our community.”
For more information on The Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Center, visit jointcommission.org or heart.org/myhospital.
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