OKEECHOBEE — Raulerson Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Primary Stroke Certification and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification.

Raulerson Hospital underwent a rigorous, onsite review on July 9. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Raulerson Hospital for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”

“We congratulate Raulerson Hospital for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

“This accreditation demonstrates that we have processes in place to allow for earlier interventions for stroke patients which leads to better care and outcomes,” says Brian Melear, chief executive officer, Raulerson Hopsital. “We are pleased to have The Joint Commission recognize our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and our community.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website: https://www.jointcommission.org/