Shore Medical Center, a non-profit community hospital located in Somers Point, NJ, has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Healthcare Equity Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards for Health Care Equity. Shore Medical Center is the first community hospital in the United States, and only the fifth hospital in New Jersey, to earn this prestigious distinction. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, quality and equitable patient care.
“We are proud of the work we have done, and will continue to do, to become the first community hospital in the country to earn Health Care Equity Certification by The Joint Commission,” said Jeanne Rowe MD, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Equity Officer, Shore Medical Center. “As a nonprofit community hospital, it is our duty and privilege to provide equitable healthcare to all of our patients. Our Health Equity goals align with the goals of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in seeking to design, implement and operationalize policies and programs that support health for the communities we serve, to eliminate avoidable differences in health outcomes experienced by people who are disadvantaged or underserved, and to provide the care and support that our community needs to thrive.”
Shore Medical Center underwent a rigorous, onsite review on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. During the visit, The Joint Commission reviewed and evaluated compliance with Health Equity standards spanning all areas where patients are receiving care, treatment, and services. “Shore's achievement is directly related to organizational dedication and strategic initiatives to provide the most excellent and equitable care to every patient, family member, visitor, and member of the Shore team,” added Dr. Rowe.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess and improve performance.
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Shore Medical Center for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”
