Pampa Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Certification.
PRMC underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in 2018. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including use of data to assess and continually improve quality of care for stroke patients, suspected stroke patients are assessed within 15 minute of arrival by a qualified practitioner, diagnostic and laboratory testing is done quickly to facilitate administration of IV thrombolytics in eligible patients and having transfer protocols in place with a PSC or CSC for the continuation of stoke care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
The Acute Stroke Ready Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend PRMC for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”
“We congratulate PRMC for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
Eligibility for the Stroke Certification included meeting various guidelines including Neurology access 24/7 via in person or telemedicine, an acute stroke team available 24/7 with the ability to be bedside in 15 minutes and Emergency Department staff stroke education twice a year. Final approval for the certification included an on-site initial certification visit from a Joint Commission surveyor and requires a survey every two years to ensure compliance.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.