Press Release

December 9, 2005

Riverview Receives Surprise JCAHO Inspection

The Riverview Psychiatric Center received a surprise site visit and inspection from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, commonly referred to as JCAHO. JCAHO is the accrediting body for hospitals nationwide, and conducts intensive accreditation surveys assessing hospitals compliance to hundreds of quality standards. This is a voluntary process pursued by quality health care organizations , such as Riverview Psychiatric Center. Riverview had been awarded a three year full accreditation in 2004 after a successful survey.

“Riverview is already an accredited hospital, having meet all the JACHO standards for excellent care ", said David Proffitt, Superintendent, “and one of the conditions for continued accreditation, is the hospital needs to be willing to allow surprise and unannounced site visits by JCHAO inspectors”.

Under the current accreditation structure, 5% of JCAHO Accredited hospitals receive an unannounced, random survey. On Wednesday morning, Nov 23rd, the day before Thanksgiving, Riverview had a surveyor arrive at the hospital lobby and announce the survey.

“The surveyor seemed very pleased with what she saw here at the Riverview Psychiatric Center. The quality of the services provided as well as the professionalism of our staff was evident” said Proffitt. “She made Three suggestions for improvements which Riverview will immediately implement”.

By the end of the day, after a thorough and spontaneous review of the quality of services at Riverview, the Surveyor confirmed, “This hospital is certainly in a state of steady survey readiness”.