At Carson Tahoe Health, quality and safety in patient care are always top priorities. Recently, these efforts were nationally recognized as Carson Tahoe earned The Joint Commission’s prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® for Laboratory Accreditation. This achievement underscores Carson Tahoe’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and operational excellence for the residents of Carson City and surrounding communities.
The Joint Commission, a highly respected healthcare accreditor, awarded this seal after a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on November 1st. During the visit, surveyors from The Joint Commission conducted an in-depth evaluation of Carson Tahoe’s laboratory services. Key areas of focus included transplant safety, emergency management, infection prevention, and quality systems, among others. The comprehensive review highlighted Carson Tahoe’s adherence to stringent protocols that ensure patient safety and quality.
Rigorous Standards: Inside the Accreditation Process
Joint Commission standards are developed in collaboration with healthcare and measurement experts, as well as patient advocates. They are based on scientific research and expert consensus, allowing healthcare organizations to gauge and enhance their performance. During the review, The Joint Commission’s surveyors observed Carson Tahoe’s lab processes in action, conducted interviews, and assessed the facility’s environment of care.
Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, The Joint Commission’s Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations, praised Carson Tahoe Health’s dedication: “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Carson Tahoe Health for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity, and compassion for all patients.”
Commitment to Excellence: Carson Tahoe’s Lab Standards and Practices
This Gold Seal of Approval signifies more than just meeting regulatory requirements. It reflects Carson Tahoe’s dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence. Carson Tahoe’s laboratory, known for its streamlined processes and efficient design, serves as a model for best practices in laboratory care. By surpassing quality and patient safety metrics, Carson Tahoe continues to build trust with patients and ensure that community members receive the highest standards of care.
Michelle Joy, President and CEO of Carson Tahoe Health, shared her appreciation for the laboratory team, saying, “I want to personally congratulate and thank each of you for your incredible work and dedication, both every day and especially during the recent lab survey process. Your commitment to excellence and quality patient care is evident in the remarkable survey results—what a fantastic way to kick off Ancillary Services Week! Thank you for the exceptional work you do every day, for going above and beyond, and for representing our lab and Carson Tahoe Health so well. You are truly making a difference, and you should be proud of all that you have accomplished.”
The Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center remains focused on readiness for accreditation, consistently reviewing and updating laboratory practices to exceed regulatory standards. With each achievement, Carson Tahoe strengthens its role as a pillar of high-quality healthcare, dedicated to safety, efficiency, and compassion. For more information about Carson Tahoe Health’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the standards of The Joint Commission, visit The Joint Commission website