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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2013
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The PHMC health network nurse-managed model joins a select group of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Pennsylvania and the country to receive this dual distinction

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, has received The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for both Ambulatory Care accreditation and Primary Care Medical Home certification. The PHMC health network, with its nurse-managed model, joins a select group of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Pennsylvania and the country to receive the dual designation. The accreditation and certification recognizes PHMC's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art health and safety standards.

The Joint Commission conducted an extensive on-site evaluation of the PHMC health network earlier this year and will continue ongoing quality review in the future. PHMC was evaluated for compliance on nearly 1,000 requirement standards ranging from: a review of infection prevention practices, to effective medication management processes, to demonstrating how effectively the primary care clinician and an interdisciplinary team work in partnership with the patient to provide comprehensive, coordinated and patient-centered care.

"Recognition from The Joint Commission speaks to the strength of our nurse-managed health center model and underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality patient-centered care in a coordinated, collaborative manner," said Richard Cohen, CEO of PHMC. "By adhering to these rigorous standards, we remain focused on holding our already great quality care to an even higher standard, and continuing our commitment to ongoing quality improvement."

With the trend in health care moving towards pay for performance and reimbursement based on high-quality care, The Joint Commission Ambulatory Care accreditation with Primary Care Medical Home certification becomes even more relevant and critical. In addition, nurse-managed health centers are defined in the Affordable Care Act as providing primary care or wellness services to underserved populations. PHMC's clinics are staffed by advanced practice nurses and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working in collaboration with the community to serve as a medical home and safety-net provider for America's vulnerable communities, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. By extending care in hard to reach populations, the PHMC health network decreases costs by providing quality care that keeps patients out of emergency departments and prevents hospitalizations.

"Nurse-managed, Federally Qualified Health Centers serve a critical need by providing quality health care to underserved populations," said Tine Hansen-Turton, PHMC's Chief Strategy Officer and CEO of PHMC's National Nursing Centers Consortium, a national network of over 250 nurse-managed health centers. "The PHMC health network has become one of the only networks of its kind to receive such elite recognition."

The Joint Commission accreditation and certification model benefits patients because it provides access to the services of the clinician and an interdisciplinary team, the care provided by other clinicians and facilities is tracked and coordinated, and evidence based treatment protocols guide their care. This model of care also focuses on increased education and self-management by the patient.

"Health care organizations that pursue the Primary Care Medical Home certification option from The Joint Commission are demonstrating the highest commitment to delivering primary care in a comprehensive, coordinated and accessible model," says Michael Kulczycki, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. "I commend PHMC for successfully achieving this pinnacle and for its dedication to continually improving patient care."

The Joint Commission survey for PHMC was made possible through a partnership between The Joint Commission and Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Care. The Gold Seal of Approval applies across the PHMC health network, which includes Rising Sun Health Center, PHMC Care Clinic, PHMC Health Connection, Mary Howard Health Center and Congreso Health Center, all located in Philadelphia.

About PHMC Health Network
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. The PHMC health network consists of five nurse-managed, Federally Qualified Health Centers offering affordable, high-quality, patient centered health services to communities throughout the Philadelphia area, including public housing populations and individuals experiencing homelessness. They share a simple mission: to provide comprehensive primary health care, family planning, disease management, nutritional counseling, behavioral health, social services and more to men, women and children. Nurse-managed health clinics are staffed by advanced practice nurses and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working in collaboration with the community to serve as a medical home and safety-net provider for America's underserved communities, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The PHMC health network is committed to their Beyond Care concept, a holistic, patient-centered approach to quality care provided by experts who organize care around the community's needs. PHMC is also home to the National Nursing Centers Consortium, a national network of over 250 nurse-managed health centers. For more information visit www.phmc.org and www.phmchealthnetwork.org.

About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 10,300 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,500 other health care organizations that provide nursing and rehabilitation center care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

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