Rapides Regional Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America – and the only hospital in Central Louisiana to receive the honor.

Rapides Regional Medical Center was recognized based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

The hospital is one of only 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for excellence in accountability measure performance. This award is based on data reported for 2010.

To be recognized as a top performer, organizations must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds. First, they must achieve a composite performance of 95 percent for all the accountability measures they report to The Joint Commission. Second, they must meet or exceed a 95 percent target for every measure they report, excluding any measures with less than 30 eligible cases or patients.

“We understand that what matters most to patients and their families is safe, effective care,” said David Williams, Rapides Regional Medical Center chief executive officer. “That’s why Rapides Regional has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. We are proud to be named to the list of The Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures.”