The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization founded more than 50 years ago.  The Commission’s mission is to continuously improve the quality of health care provided by organizations throughout the United States through an extensive accreditation process.

To achieve accreditation by the JCAHO, organizations must submit to a thorough on-site review by JCAHO professionals.  Accreditation surveys are conducted at each organization once every three years.  The surveyors evaluate the safety of the environment at a facility and compliance with the National Patient Safety Goals, as well as many other quality standards.

The Western Pennsylvania Hospital was last surveyed in August of 2003 and received accreditation with an outstanding score of 98 out of 100.  The Hospital is subject to another survey in 2006.  In accordance with new procedures established by the JCAHO, the Hospital will not be given advance notification of the survey.  By conducting unannounced surveys, the Commission hopes to add credibility to the accreditation process by ensuring organizations are meeting standards at all times.

Public Input

As part of the accreditation process, the JCAHO invites comments from consumers who have pertinent information or a complaint about the quality or safety at a particular health care facility. 

Members of the public who wish to submit a complaint or information to the JCAHO should summarize their concerns in one or two pages and include the name, address, city and state of the healthcare organization.  The JCAHO does not require individuals to include their name or contact information in the complaint.  Names of people who submit a complaint are considered confidential; however, the name may be shared with the organization during the investigation process.  Additionally, providing contact information allows the JCAHO to follow up with the individual after the investigation is completed.

To submit a complaint, send it to:

Division of Accreditation Operations

Office of Quality Monitoring

Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

One Renaissance Boulevard

Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181

or

Fax:  630-792-5636

or

Email:  complaint@jcaho.org

 

Individuals may also submit a complaint through the Commission’s Web site by going to www.jcaho.org.