CAMP ZAMA, Japan -- The B.G. Crawford F. Sams Health Clinic (CFSHC) underwent a survey visit from the Joint Commission (JC) recently. All staff members, comprised of military, civilians and local national employees, were participants in the two day event. The JC survey team included a total of two surveyors, two Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P) staff members and members of our local patient population as well.

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The JC ambulatory care survey for which MEDDAC-J was evaluated, is comprised of over 200 standards and 1,100 elements of performance.

The surveyors were able to successfully evaluate the competencies of the Medical Department Activity-Japan (MEDDAC-J) staff in several areas to include, but not limited to the environment of care, provision of care, records management, credentialing and privileging and emergency management.

The survey revealed that MEDDAC-J staff members consistently demonstrate the organization's commitment to the quality and safety of the care provided to the Camp Zama community.

The surveyors made recommendations and offered examples of "Best Practices" in key areas. Staff members were overwhelmingly lauded for their commitment and dedication to the programs and patient care that assists MEDDAC-J in its journey towards becoming a high reliability organization.