Rapides Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes Rapides Regional Medical Center’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Rapides Regional Medical Center underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in November 2013. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Rapides Regional Medical Center 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, Rapides Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Rapides Regional for successfully undertaking this challenge 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 helps create a culture of excellence,” said Jason Cobb,  Rapides Regional Medical Center’s chief executive officer. “The framework provided by The Joint Commission allows us to take our hospital to the next level. This accreditation helps us maintain excellence while continually improving the care we provide.”

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 evaluates and accredits more than 20,000 healthcare 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. You can find more information about The Joint Commission and the accreditation process by visiting jointcommission.org