FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- Medical Department Activity-Alaska, which includes Bassett Army Community Hospital and its outlying clinics at Fort Wainwright, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Greely, has earned accreditation from The Joint Commission, the nation's oldest and largest standards setting and accrediting body in health care, by demonstrating compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety.

To receive the recognition, MEDDAC-AK underwent an unannounced four-day, on-site survey where important functions relating to the care of patients and hospital management were evaluated.

To earn and maintain accreditation, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years.

"The Joint Commission surveyors came here for four days, but they are simply validating what we do every day," said Beth Morey, Joint Commission Compliance officer for MEDDAC-AK. "The patient safety measures we have in place to ensure safe, high-quality care are ongoing and consistently evolving."

According to Col. Constance Jenkins, MEDDAC-AK commander, the surveyors spoke very highly of the team's dedication to both patients and safety.

"The Joint Commission team commended the organization for its inspiring culture of teamwork and commitment to quality and safety," said Jenkins. "They were impressed with the MEDDAC-AK team and proud to know that our Soldiers and their family members receive such great care."

The Joint Commission's hospital standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help hospitals measure, assess and improve performance.

"Joint Commission accreditation provides hospitals with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas from the enhancement of staff education to the improvement of daily business operations," said Mark G. Pelletier, RN, M.S., chief operating officer, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. "In addition, our accreditation helps hospitals enhance their risk management and risk reduction strategies. We commend MEDDAC-AK for its efforts to become a quality improvement organization."

"MEDDAC-AK is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation," added Morey. "Staff from across the organization continue to work together to develop and implement approaches that have the potential to improve care for the patients in our community."

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.