The Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation at Dallas has received its first disease-specific certification -- for stroke rehabilitation – from The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Such certification is recognized as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
"This provides further validation that our stroke program maintains the highest standards of excellence in the areas of patient care, performance outcomes and national patient safety criteria," said Fabian E. Polo, PhD, MBA, and CEO of the Rehabilitation Institute. "Our stroke patients can feel confident that they are being treated according to the stringent standards of The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ is a clear sign that we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients."
The Rehabilitation Institute first applied for the certification and then received a site evaluation, during which the commission representative found "no areas of improvement," Polo said.
"I want to personally thank everyone who participated in the Stroke Certification Survey and who has worked so hard over the past several months preparing for this day," he said. "It was evident that the surveyor was very impressed with our hospital, staff and stroke program."
In the letter making the certification official, Mark G. Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer of the Commission's accreditation and certification division, said the certification process is designed to help organizations provide safe, high-quality care, treatment and services by identifying opportunities for improvement.
"We encourage you to use the certification process as a continuous standards compliance and operational improvement tool," he said.
Certification is valid for up to two years. Other Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation facilities also expect to receive certification in the near future.
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