Accreditation

JOINT COMMISSION DEBUTS ENHANCED WEBSITE

(Oakbrook Terrace, IL - June 17, 2002)
Consumers and health care organizations seeking the latest information on quality and safety will find new tools to aid their search beginning today on the website of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

The website address is www.jcaho.org.

The fresh look of the JCAHO website is intended to allow users to find the information they need quickly and easily. The redesigned site emphasizes simple navigation with users' needs in mind.

Enhanced JCAHO website features include:

• Direct access to Quality Check™ - the information source for checking the performance of local health care facilities, whether it's a hospital, a surgery center, a nursing home or another type of health care provider.
• "Who am I?" guide and sitemap that allow users to readily identify their needs and the content they seek.
• "Easy Access" with direct links to the latest updates, accreditation program newsletters or Quality Check.
• "Headline News" that highlights breaking news at the Joint Commission.
• "JCAHO Shortcuts" with links to the most popular features on the website.
• "How to Become Accredited" with tips and tactics for organizations considering accreditation.
• "Disease-Specific Care Certification" with information on JCAHO's newest evaluation program.

"Our goal is to provide a website that is user-friendly and accessible," says Cathy Barry-Ipema, chief communications officer, JCAHO. "The wealth of information on the JCAHO website is important for the general public when searching for information about the more than 17,000 accredited health care organizations committed to JCAHO's nationally recognized quality and safety standards, and for JCAHO customers and potential customers when seeking information about accreditation programs."

Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 17,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including approximately 9,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and 8,000 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

www.jcaho.org
JCAHO Central Office - 630-792-5000
JCAHO Customer Service – 630-792-5800