National Jewish Scores 98 Point from Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
DENVER-National Jewish Medical and Research Center scored 98 out of a possible 100 in its latest accreditation survey conducted by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Only 6 percent of hospitals in the United States surveyed by JCAHO—the nation’s oldest and largest accrediting body—receive a score of 98 or above.
"All National Jewish employees work extremely hard year-round to provide the best and safest medical care to our patients," said Lynn M. Taussig, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish. "This score, from an independent and objective source, confirms the steps we take each day to ensure the most comprehensive and highest quality medical care for our patients. I’m very proud of our staff."
JCAHO accredits healthcare organizations every three years. In 1997, National Jewish also received 98 points. At that time, JCAHO bestowed an "Accreditation with Commendation" to organizations that received a score of 90 or greater out of 100 possible points. Since 1997, JCAHO has toughened its standards and today the highest recognition a hospital can achieve is "Accreditation," which National Jewish received. The accreditation is valid for three years.
Dr. Taussig said he was especially pleased to have received a 98 again, given the tougher JCAHO standards and the lower scores reported by other facilities.
Formed in 1951, JCAHO is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. JCAHO evaluates and accredits nearly 12,000 hospitals and home care agencies.
