Hospice of the Carolina Foothills announces that we have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Home Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with our performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.

HOCF underwent a rigorous three-day on-site survey in November of 2015. During the survey, compliance with home care standards reflecting key organization areas was evaluated, including the provision of care, treatment and services, emergency management, human resources, individual rights and responsibilities and leadership. The accreditation process also provided HoCF with education and guidance to help staff continue to improve its home care program’s performance.

The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation program supports the efforts of its accredited organizations to help deliver safe, high quality care and services. More than 6,000 home care programs currently maintain accreditation, awarded for a three-year period, by The Joint Commission.

“When individuals engage a home care provider they want to be sure that provider is capable of providing safe, quality care,” said Margherita Labson, RN, M.S., executive director, Home Care Accreditation program, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation by The Joint Commission serves as an indication that the organization has demonstrated compliance to these recognized standards of safe and quality care.”

“We have always provided high quality care to our patients,” said Alicia Sterritt, director of compliance, HOCF, “but being accredited by The Joint Commission takes us to an elevated level of service for consumers, our staff and our community.”

Jean Eckert, CEO of HOCF, emphasized, “By voluntarily seeking The Joint Commission’s accreditation, we are demonstrating our commitment to excellence and safety to not only consumers, but to third party payers.”

– Submitted by Lauren Roy