San Carlos Apache Health Care Receives Joint Commission Approval

Independent Review Validates High-Level of Quality Care and Service Being Provided
San Carlos Apache Reservation, Ariz. — The Joint Commission has renewed accreditation for the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation’s (SCAHC) laboratories in recognition of the high quality of its testing services at its hospital in Peridot and clinic in Bylas. SCAHC’s laboratories were awarded The Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Laboratory and Point-of-Care Testing.

The Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. To earn and maintain The Joint Commission accreditation, a healthcare organization must undergo a comprehensive on-site survey at least every three years for the entire hospital and every two years for the Laboratory.

“This is the gold standard, and receiving accreditation is validation of San Carlos Apache Healthcare’s commitment to safe, quality care, and recognition by an independent organization that our laboratories are meeting very high standards of excellence,” said Victoria Began, San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corp. Chief Executive Officer. “The accreditation is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our nearly 800 employees.”

The main laboratory at SCAHC’s hospital in Peridot reviews nearly 58,000 lab tests per month, and the Clarence Wesley Health Care Center in Bylas averages 5,000 tests per month.

“Our laboratories provide a critical service, and accreditation is an important achievement for the 21 employees working in this area and our entire health care system,” Ms. Began said. “The Commission conducted an unannounced, rigorous review of our operations, and we are proud to have achieved this significant recognition.”

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 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

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.