Family Centers Earns Re-accreditation from The Joint Commission
Family Centers announced it has been re-accredited by The Joint Commission. Family Centers received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® accreditations in Ambulatory Health Care and Behavioral Health Care and Human Services. Family Centers Health Care (FCHC), the agency’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), also received The Joint Commission’s Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) Certification.
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting standards demonstrating a commitment to safe, effective and quality patient-centered care. Family Centers is accredited through April 2025. While The Joint Commission’s accreditation covers Family Centers’ programs and sites providing primary medical, dental, mental health and human services, the organization’s early care and education programs remain accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC).
“The Joint Commission is the gold standard when it comes to accrediting outpatient medical and behavioral health centers,” said Dennis Torres, Family Centers’ Chief . “Patient care and safety remain our top priority, and this re-accreditation is a testament to our team’s commitment to excellence. Additionally, the community can be assured that the services provided by Family Centers are of the highest quality.”
To earn re-accreditation, Family Centers underwent a rigorous onsite survey this past spring. During the review, a team of Joint Commission surveyors with expertise in ambulatory health care, evaluated compliance with ambulatory care standards related to a variety of areas, including coordination of care, infection prevention and control, management of medications and patient education and training. The manner in which FCHC’s interdisciplinary team work in partnership with patients to provide comprehensive, coordinated and patient-centered care was also evaluated.
The Joint Commission’s behavioral health surveyors also evaluated Family Centers’ compliance with behavioral health care standards related to several areas, including care, treatment, and services; environment of care; leadership; and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm. Onsite observations and interviews also were conducted.
The Joint Commission’s Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation Program encourages high-quality patient care in all types of freestanding ambulatory care facilities, while organizations sanctioned by the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program provide treatment and services within a variety of settings across the care continuum for individuals who have mental health, family and social service-related needs.
As a recipient of The Joint Commission’s PCMH Certification, FCHC aims to experience increased patient satisfaction, improved patient outcomes and reduced overall costs to the health care system. In addition, PCMH Certification provides FCHC with the processes needed to improve patient access to care. It also encourages a focus on educating patients and showing them how to self-manage their illness or condition.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.
Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 200 professionals and 4,000 trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.
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