The Joint Commission Awards Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care
April 04, 2025
HSHS St. Francis Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects the health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The certification recognizes St. Francis Hospital’s efforts to achieve integrated, coordinated and patient-centered prenatal through postpartum care, including for both complicated and uncomplicated pregnancies. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care measure set for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health of newborns and their mothers.
“This certification demonstrates the high-quality care we provide every day to mothers and their babies before, during and after birth at St. Francis Hospital,” said Shannon Maddeleno, Nurse Manager of St. Francis’ Family Maternity Center. “Our team works together with our obstetricians and multiple departments, following best practices to ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients.”
To receive the certification, St. Francis Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review by The Joint Commission. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend HSHS St. Francis Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
The certification recognizes St. Francis Hospital’s efforts to achieve integrated, coordinated and patient-centered prenatal through postpartum care, including for both complicated and uncomplicated pregnancies. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care measure set for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health of newborns and their mothers.
“This certification demonstrates the high-quality care we provide every day to mothers and their babies before, during and after birth at St. Francis Hospital,” said Shannon Maddeleno, Nurse Manager of St. Francis’ Family Maternity Center. “Our team works together with our obstetricians and multiple departments, following best practices to ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients.”
To receive the certification, St. Francis Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review by The Joint Commission. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend HSHS St. Francis Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
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