Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Home Care Department Awarded Accreditation from the Joint Commission

Crosby, MN, April 9, 2008 – By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) home care department has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation.  CRMC, which provides home care services, received the accreditation award after The Joint Commission found that it had demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for home care organizations.  The on-site survey occurred in Febuary.

"In becoming accredited, CRMC was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission team of surveyors experienced in the delivery of home care services," says Debra Zak, Ph.D., RN, L.Ac., executive director, Home Care Accreditation, The Joint Commission.  "Achieving accreditation demonstrates Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s commitment to provide high quality and safe care to its patients."

CEO Tom Reek says Joint Commission accreditation shows that "we make a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down.  We seek accreditation for our organization because we want to be the best and we view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence."

Reek notes that accreditation is attainable only through the cooperation and communication among staff members.  "Everyone here at CRMC plays a valuable role in working to meet the standards.  I think it gives them a feeling of prestige to work in an accredited organization," says Reek.  "They also appreciate the educational aspect of the survey and the opportunity to interact with The Joint Commission team."

Contact: Maxine Ehlers, Hospital Patient Services Administrator 218-546-2304