Vermont State Hospital Receives Full Accreditation by Nation's Premier Health Care Certification Organization

Vermont State Hospital Receives Full Accreditation by Nation's Premier Health Care Certification Organization
Waterbury, VT (September 12, 2008)- By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety, the Vermont State Hospital (VSH) has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval.
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization which accredits and certifies more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. According to their official website, "Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to certain performance standards."
"I am extremely pleased that The Joint Commission has recognized VSH for the exemplary efforts they have made to continually foster a holistic, patient-centered system of care within the facility," said Governor Jim Douglas. "Secretary LaWare, Commissioner Hartman, VSH CEO Terry Rowe and all the VSH staff are to be congratulated for this achievement."
Darlene Christiansen, Executive Director of the Hospital Accreditation Program at the Joint Commission, also praised VSH for their efforts: "Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization's performance and the outcomes of care. The community should be proud that Vermont State Hospital is focusing on the most challenging goal -- to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels."
"First and foremost, this accreditation demonstrates the State's strong commitment to ensuring those with the most acute mental health needs receive the highest level of quality care. Accreditation of VSH is also a critically important step in the State's comprehensive Futures Plan to revitalize Vermont's mental health system," added Agency of Human Services Secretary Cynthia D. LaWare. "In addition this accreditation will favorably position VSH for hospital certification by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)."
Michael Hartman, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, says accreditation is also evidence of the pride of VSH staff, who have worked hard to ensure a recovery-oriented, supportive environment for VSH patients. "This recognition by The Joint Commission is proof of an organization-wide commitment to provide quality mental health care to our clients on an ongoing basis."
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 VSH occurred in May and June.