By demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission’s National Standards for Health Care Quality and Safety, Visiting Nurses Association of Southwest Georgia (VNA) has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation.

VNA, which provides home health care, received the accreditation award after the Joint Commission found that it had demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission’s national standards for home care organizations.

The on-site survey occurred in February 2009.

In becoming accredited, VNA was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission surveyor experienced in the delivery of home care services. Achieving accreditation demonstrates VNA’s commitment to provide high quality and safe care to its patients.

Amy Ferry, administrator of VNA, said Joint Commission accreditation shows that “we make a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. We seek accreditation for our organization because we want to be the best and we view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence.”

Ferry also noted that VNA was surveyed by State Licensure in October and received no deficiencies.

“Everyone here at VNA plays a valuable role in working to meet state, federal and Joint Commission standards. It gives us a feeling of accomplishment to have State Licensure and Joint Commission validate our commitment to excellence through the survey process.

Since opening its doors in 1978, VNA’s mission is to provide safe, professional and compassionate care to individuals in their home while promoting their independence and quality of life.