Baptist Medical Center Receives Preliminary Approval for Certifications From Joint Commission

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. - August 24, 2004 -- By demonstrating excellence in health care quality in its heart, diabetes and cancer programs, Baptist Medical Center has received preliminary approval for its applications for Disease-Specific Care Certifications from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Baptist is accredited by JCAHO and has been awarded the Gold Seal of ApprovalT.

According to Joint Commission surveyors and information on JCAHO's website, as of July 15 Baptist will be the first healthcare organization in Mississippi to earn these disease-specific certifications. Additionally, Baptist will be the first organization in the United States to earn this distinction for an entire cancer program.

Yesterday, reviewers from the Joint Commission evaluated Baptist's Cancer Services; Heart Services in the area of acute coronary syndrome; and Diabetes Services in the area of outpatient education. Surveyors assessed their compliance with the Joint Commission's state-of-the-art national standards and performance measurement expectations for the management of chronic care illnesses.

"We voluntarily pursued this comprehensive, independent evaluation to enhance the safety and quality of care we provide," says Baptist's President and CEO Kurt W. Metzner. "We're proud to achieve this distinction."

The Joint Commission has over 50 years of recognized and respected experience and expertise in evaluating clinical care quality in all types of health care settings.

According to JCAHO's website, achieving national Disease-Specific Care Certification signifies an organization's commitment to achieving and maintaining safe, high quality care for patients.

Final approval for the certifications is anticipated within 45 days.

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