Seattle-based Virginia Mason Medical Center is fully accredited with the Joint Commission, the hospital announced Thursday, months after it was found out of compliance in 29 survey areas in May.
After a surprise visit in May, the Joint Commission issued a preliminary denial of accreditation to Virginia Mason on May 19. The accrediting agency issued that preliminary denial because of "existence at the time of survey a condition, which in the Joint Commission's view, poses a threat to patients or other individuals served."
Then, on a follow-up visit, the Joint Commission issued contingent accreditation to Virginia Mason, finding issues with 29 survey requirement areas.
According to Virginia Mason, most of the issues uncovered by the Joint Commission were related to the hospital's dialysis unit — which also warned nearly 650 patients of possible hepatitis B exposure in June. The hospital worked with Northwest Kidney Centers, which provides the hospital's dialysis services, to address the patient safety issues.
Additionally, the Joint Commission found Virginia Mason had to update its bylaw language and the duties of the hospital's medical staff committee, and improve reliability of patient education and equipment maintenance documentation.
The Joint Commission conducted another on-site survey in September and has now fully accredited the hospital.
"We are very pleased to have again earned accreditation because this achievement underscores our steadfast commitment to high-quality care and patient safety," said Gary Kaplan, MD, chairman of Virginia Mason. "The Joint Commission survey process has been a great reminder that while we look at our work every day of every week and ask how can we be better, there are always going to be opportunities to continue improving. We embrace these moments and move forward on even stronger footing."
For a full timeline of Virginia Mason's Joint Commission accreditation status, click here.