Sonora Regional Medical Center Awarded Accreditation From The Joint Commission

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

The Medical Center underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey from September 27 to October 1. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Sonora 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, Sonora Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," says Mark Pelletier, The Joint Commission Executive Director of Accreditation and Certification Services. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Sonora Regional Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Though the Joint Commission notified the hospital of this award on December 10, the accreditation is effective for three years beginning October 1, 2010. The accreditation covers the Sonora Regional Medical Center, the Sonora Regional Surgery Center, the Sonora Regional Imaging Center, Sonora Oxygen and Medical Supply, Hospice of the Sierra, Sonora Regional Home Health, Personal Care, Community Personal Care and 19 clinics and physician offices.

“This accreditation from the Joint Commission demonstrates our on-going commitment to provide excellent patient care to Tuolumne and Calaveras counties,” said Jeff Eller, CEO and President of Sonora Regional Medical Center. “We are proud to be recognized by the Joint Commission of our excellent work.”

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. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.