AHA, ACC launch 'capstone' accreditation program for cardiovascular care
Regional Hospital of Scranton (Pennsylvania) is the first hospital in the U.S. to receive the Cardiovascular Center of Excellence accreditation, the American Heart Association (AHA) announced Sept. 19.
The “capstone” accreditation is awarded by the AHA in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
According to a press release, criteria include achieving at least three of the ACC’s “cornerstone” accreditations in chest pain, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or cardiac catheterization. Healthcare centers must also demonstrate commitment to all levels of service, from prevention strategies to care through rehabilitation and recovery.
“This accreditation ensures patients’ confidence and trust that the hospital’s treatment practices and procedures meet the highest standards of cardiovascular care based on proven treatment guidelines,” Robert L. McNamara, MD, chair of the AHA’s Hospital Accreditation Cardiovascular Subcommittee, said in the release. “It recognizes the staff commitment to doing everything possible to promote a full recovery, optimal outcomes and highest quality of life.”
Daniel joined TriMed’s Chicago editorial team in 2017 as a Cardiovascular Business writer. He previously worked as a writer for daily newspapers in North Dakota and Indiana.