Most new employees don’t expect to be spotlighted during a national hospital accreditation survey — especially not on their first one. But when Inpatient Pharmacist Whitney LaPier, PharmD, of University of Vermont Health–Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital was asked by surveyors to explain and demonstrate how he handles medications that patients bring with them, he was ready. “I walked her through the process — a process we do all the time, says LaPier. “I had only been with the hospital for about a year, so “I was just trying to get through it,” he explains. “But it turned out to be a great opportunity to show what we do.” 

LaPier is one of many Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital staff members who impressed a team from the Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and most widely recognized health care accrediting body. The nonprofit organization evaluates hospitals and health systems to ensure they meet rigorous standards for safety, quality and patient care. Its Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of excellence recognized across the country.

After a four-day, in-depth review in May, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital earned the Gold Seal in August — affirming its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. 

“This survey confirms what I have always known: We have a tremendously gifted team doing amazing work every day,” says Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital President Michelle LeBeau. “They’re proud of the care they provide, and it shows. I’m grateful to the Quality team for leading the way and to every staff member who works so hard each day to bring our mission to life.” 

What the Survey Covers 

The Joint Commission’s accreditation process includes direct observation, staff interviews and patient feedback. At Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, eight surveyors evaluated everything from emergency preparedness and infection prevention to leadership and medication safety.

Chief Quality Officer Brenda Murphy says patients interviewed during the survey offered positive feedback. “They thanked their providers and spoke highly of the quality of care they received,” she says. “Our team ‘wowed’ the surveyors with their knowledge, compassion and commitment to learning.”

Murphy sees the survey as both a validation and a learning opportunity. “It’s an opportunity to shine and to learn new ways to deliver great care to our patients,” she says. 

Pharmacy in the Spotlight 

For pharmacist Vincent Ludewig, PharmD, the survey became a robust discussion with surveyors about clinical decision making. “I was observed reviewing and processing orders in Epic,” he says. “We talked about what I was doing and my thought process behind everything. We hit on evaluating medications for appropriateness, drug-drug interactions and safety.  We also discussed the five rights of patients, how barcoding can improve safety and how Epic helps — or sometimes hinders — the process.”

Murphy notes that the survey did reveal some areas for improvement. “Some were quick fixes and others we are still working through.”

A National Standard of Excellence 

The Joint Commission accredits more than 22,000 health care organizations in the U.S. and is a requirement for hospitals that participate in Medicare. Its standards are designed to reduce risk, improve outcomes and promote continuous improvement.

“As a health care accreditor, the Joint Commission works with organizations to inspire safer, more equitable and compassionate care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer at the Joint Commission. “We commend Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital will be resurveyed in 2028.