The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) issued a formal letter of accreditation to City of Hope on Jan. 20, 2006. The letter follows the Joint Commission's survey of City of Hope in September 2005 and confirms the institution's compliance with JCAHO standards for delivery of patient care.

JCAHO surveyors employed a new methodology known as the "tracer method" during the September visit.

"This method offers a new opportunity for JCAHO to work in partnership with City of Hope to identify areas for improvement in our delivery of patient care," said Steve Hartranft, vice president of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety for City of Hope.

Along with confirming the institution's existing high standards of patient care and supporting services, the survey identified some requirements for improvement. Since survey results have been received, several teams of City of Hope staff have created and implemented process improvements. The letter indicated that JCAHO reviewed and accepted these improvements.

"All City of Hope employees are to be commended for their commitment in meeting and exceeding JCAHO's standards," said James Miser, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer, City of Hope National Medical Center. "A special thank you goes to those who worked diligently on the required changes and enhancements to our processes."

Pointing to JCAHO's new system of unannounced inspections, Hartranft cautioned City of Hope staff to remain vigilant about future surveys.

"It is important to remember that under JCAHO's new process, a spontaneous visit is possible at any time. This calls for us to remain vigilant in maintaining our high standards of patient care and compliance with the Joint Commission's standards."

An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.