The Joint Commission and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists launch Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care
(OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois, October 20, 2022) – The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), today announced the launch of Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) to help improve quality and safety for pregnant or postpartum patients and newborns. The new certification program, which will be available to Joint Commission-accredited, non-Joint Commission accredited, and non-accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals with perinatal care programs beginning Jan. 1, 2023, is currently available for pre-application.
ACPC will replace The Joint Commission’s current Perinatal Care Certification (PNC) and hospitals can indicate their commitment now to pursue the certification and enter the queue for reviews beginning in 2023.
The new certification incorporates the latest research, evidence-based practices and guidance to assist with improving quality and safety in perinatal care settings. ACPC reaches beyond PNC to encompass all pregnancies while focusing on high-risk areas for maternal morbidity and mortality such as mental health disorders, substance use disorders, time of treatment for severe hypertension after diagnosis, safe practices for cesarean sections, and working towards reducing health-related social needs.
The new certification supports the enhancement of integrated, coordinated and patient-centered care that begins with prenatal care and continues through postpartum care. Components of the new program include:
- Conducting tracer activities during the on-site review.
- Evaluating consistent communication and effective collaboration among all healthcare professionals involved in the care of pregnant or postpartum patients and newborns.
- Demonstrating the application of and compliance with clinical practice guidelines or evidence-based practices, including from ACOG and other national organizations.
- Collecting data on Perinatal Care program measures.
A Technical Advisory Panel of clinical experts helped develop ACPC. The program’s standards incorporate the latest research, best practices and federal regulations associated with perinatal care. Hospitals may apply for the certification if they meet general eligibility requirements, including recording a minimum of 40 deliveries per year and complying with measure thresholds for applicable measures.
To learn more, please visit The Joint Commission website.
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About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare 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 22,000 healthcare 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 healthcare. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.
About the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of 60,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. www.acog.org
Media Contacts:
Maureen Lyons
Corporate Communications
The Joint Commission
(630) 792-5171
Jamila Vernon
Sr. Media Relations Manager
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(202) 863-2433