The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock is the first organization in the state to earn the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for spinal fusion, according to an Aug. 31 news release.
The certification recognizes UAMS' spinal fusion protocols and patient outcomes. UAMS was vetted during an unannounced onsite review in July.
"We commend UAMS for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for spinal fusion patients," Deborah Ryan, RN, the Joint Commission's interim executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations, said in the release.