For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2021
Media Contacts
Amy Webb, Chief of Communications & Community Engagement
amy.webb@dhs.arkansas.gov
Gavin Lesnick, Deputy Chief of Communications
gavin.lesnick.dhs@dhs.arkansas.gov
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The Arkansas State Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The Arkansas State Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review from June 22nd-25th. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with hospital accreditation standards spanning several areas including provision of care, environment of care, infection control, leadership, medication management, and patient rights.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend the Arkansas State Hospital for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”
“I am so proud of our staff here at ASH, because they are what make this possible. Despite the additional challenges created by the pandemic they have continued to rise above it all and provide compassionate patient care that is unmatched by others,” says James Scoggins JD, Chief Executive Officer, Arkansas State Hospital.
