Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification

January 29, 2026 - 23:38

A major new certification program has been launched to recognize hospitals that demonstrate exceptional, comprehensive care for patients undergoing common cardiac procedures. The initiative is a collaborative effort designed to place a heightened focus on real-world patient results and the consistent delivery of high-quality treatment.

The certification will assess hospital performance across the entire patient journey, from pre-procedure evaluation through surgery and post-operative recovery. It is uniquely structured to minimize administrative burden, as it will be based on the clinical data care teams already submit to established national registries. These include the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, the ACC CathPCI Registry, and the STS/ACC TVT Registry.

By leveraging this existing data, the program aims to provide a meaningful benchmark for clinical excellence. The goal is to not only honor top-performing institutions but also to establish clear national standards that ultimately drive improvement in cardiac care nationwide. Hospitals that achieve this certification will signal a deep commitment to measuring and optimizing patient outcomes, offering a valuable marker of quality for both healthcare providers and patients seeking the best possible care.