Scott & White earns Joint Commission's certification for VAD Program

Ventricular assist device 'destination therapy' benefits patients who aren't eligible for heart transplant; improves quality of life

The Scott & White Heart & Vascular Institute in Temple has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval- as a hospital performing Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) as a destination therapy. Destination therapy is permanent support for end stage heart failure by means of an implantable artificial heart device. Approval means the program demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification recognizes Scott & White Heart & Vascular Institute's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards.

Scott & White underwent a rigorous on-site survey by a team of Joint Commission surveyors who evaluated Scott & White's Heart & Vascular Institute's VAD Program for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"In achieving Joint Commission certification, Scott & White's VAD Destination Therapy Program has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for patients with advanced heart failure," says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. "Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Scott & White for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the Central Texas communities it serves."