Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center (EMRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for Hip Fracture Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.  Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in the state to receive this distinction.  The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 

The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for hip fractures. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge. 

Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center underwent a rigorous, offsite review on December 10. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including clinical guidelines and outcomes of care based on the surveyor’s review.  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.

“Hip Fracture 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 Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for hip fracture patients.”

“We are pleased to earn Joint Commission certification for hip fractures.” says Daniel McKay, president and CEO, Ephraim McDowell Health.  “Our team has worked very hard to earn this and it will greatly benefit our patients.”

The Organization prepared for the certification process by developing an interdisciplinary team to focus on a multitude of hip fracture eligibility requirements.

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.