Joint Commission collaborates with Georgia Department of Public Health to provide Maternal Levels of Care Verification

The Joint Commission is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

The U.S. has a higher maternal mortality rate than other developed countries. In 2020, 861 women died of maternal causes in the U.S. with a rate of 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births.  

DPH’s Maternal Center Designation program is recognizing The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program. The MLC Verification program, offered with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is a verification process that involves an on-site comprehensive review of a hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies, as well as a level of maternal care determination. The levels include:

• Level I (basic care)
• Level II (specialty care)
• Level III (subspecialty care)

In Georgia, Level I hospitals may seek the optional Maternal Center Designation with either DPH or The Joint Commission. Level II and Level III hospitals may seek the designation only with The Joint Commission. Within 90 days of the on-site review, hospitals must submit an application to DPH, including the final survey report, for DPH to issue a final determination. DPH is providing financial assistance by covering a portion of costs to hospitals for The Joint Commission review.

“We commend the Georgia Department of Public Health for its efforts to strengthen regionalized maternal health care for mothers and babies,” said Patrick Phelan, MBA, Executive Director, Hospital Certification Business Development, The Joint Commission. “With an increase in maternal mortality, it is critical to verify that hospitals have the expertise, equipment and resources in place to care for a mother’s specific needs and risk level. The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program helps support effective patient transfer to a higher-level facility with the appropriate capabilities when needed.” 

The MLC Verification program was developed using ACOG’s Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus (OCC) clinical guidance, which includes comprehensive uniform definitions, standardized description of maternity facility capabilities and personnel, and framework for integrated systems that address maternal health needs.

For Georgia hospitals interested in achieving DPH Maternal Center Designation through The Joint Commission’s MLC Verification program, visit The Joint Commission website or email .