Plattsburgh, NY -- After four days of intensive review, observation and interviews at University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), Joint Commission surveyors concluded their unannounced inspection impressed by the staff’s passion for providing exceptional patient care and the entire organization’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality. Based on the survey in May, The Joint Commission awarded CVPH its Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation.

The accreditation survey involved an objective evaluation process to measure, assess and improve performance.  A team of eight Joint Commission reviewers evaluated the hospital’s compliance with standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The Joint Commission’s state-of-the art standards focus on patient safety and quality of care to help reduce the risk of errors and improve performance. By earning the Gold Seal of Approval, health care organizations like CVPH exemplify their commitment to using best practices and upholding the highest standards to improve safety and quality for their patients, staff and community.  

Accreditation by the Joint Commission is required to participate in Medicare. CVPH will be resurveyed in 2028.   

“The patients interviewed offered positive feedback about the quality of care they were receiving and thanked their providers,” explained Chief Quality Officer Brenda Murphy. “Our team ‘wowed’ the surveyors with their knowledge, compassion and commitment to learning.”

She continued, “We view this survey is an opportunity to shine – demonstrate what we do – and to learn new and better ways to deliver great care to our patients,” Murphy said.

She added that the survey did reveal areas that needed to be addressed. “Some were quick fixes and others we are still working through.” She added that while more than 50% of the hospitals surveyed by the Joint Commission receive conditional findings, CVPH did not. Conditional findings are noted by surveyors when a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) deficiency has been identified. Corrective action is required and a follow up review is likely.

“This survey verifies what I have always known: That there is a tremendously gifted team here doing amazing work each and every day. They are proud of the care they provide – as they should be - and it shows. My thanks goes to the Quality team for leading us through this survey and to everyone who works so hard each day bringing our mission to life,” CVPH President Michelle LeBeau said.

“As a health care accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend CVPH for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”

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