779th MDG welcomes Joint Commission survey

Published April 26, 2011
By 779th Medical Group

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Joint Commission is slated to conduct an on-site survey of Malcolm Grow Medical Center and the 779th Medical Group May 2 to May 6.

On-site surveys are conducted every three years. The accreditation award recognizes 779 MDG's dedication to continuous compliance with the Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards. In 2008 the 779 MDG earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. During this year's Joint Commission, the 779 MDG will undergo a rigorous on-site survey. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors will evaluate the 779 MDG for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, the hospital must demonstrate its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," said Mr. Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S., Hospital Programs and Accreditation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission, executive director. "Accreditation is a voluntary process which the 779 MDG undertakes to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."

"With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence," said Col. Rudy Cachuela, 779 MDG commander. "Ongoing Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide."

The Commander went on to explain that 779 MDG staff involvement is essential to both maintaining continuous standards of compliance and demonstrating that compliance during an on-site survey. The focus is on patient, or client care through the tracer methodology and observation of care. Further, the on-site survey is tailored to our medical group's unique characteristics, services, and patient/beneficiary populations. Colonel Cachuela emphasized that accreditation is further evidence our organization's excellent clinical care, which demonstrates continuous compliance with standards 24/7, 365 days-a-year.

The Joint Commission's hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients. Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks 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 evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.