The Board of Visitors Health System Board Quality Subcommittee met recently at the U.Va. Health Education Resource Center. JoAnna Monroe, the director of accreditation and regulatory standards, presented some encouraging news. She reported that the University Medical Center achieved high ratings and received recertification for two health programs from the Joint Commission, a key organization that evaluates healthcare institutions in the U.S.
This subcommittee plays a vital role in enhancing the U.Va. Health system. It has seven dedicated members, with David O. Okonkwo, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, leading the team. All members participated in the most recent meeting, including notable figures like Mitch Rosner, U.Va. Health’s CEO. Due to technical issues, a planned livestream for the meeting only partially worked.
During her presentation, Monroe announced an important achievement for U.Va. Health: the pediatric heart transplant program has been authorized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This designation allows key programs now to support patients covered by these government health plans.
Monroe also highlighted the successful recertification for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and primary heart failure programs, which meet rigorous standards set by the Joint Commission. According to the CDC, COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., making this program crucial for local patients. U.Va. Health has established itself as one of few centers in central Virginia with specialized care for COPD.
In terms of recognition, the U.Va. Medical Center was named the best hospital in Virginia on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026 list. Additionally, it placed high on Forbes’ list of America’s best large employers. Such accolades reflect a strong commitment to patient care and workplace satisfaction.
Recently, U.Va. Health’s Children’s Hospital was honored for excellence in pediatric sedation, showcasing its dedication to high-quality care for younger patients. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit also received a Silver Beacon Award for Excellence, highlighting its focus on providing top-notch critical care.
After addressing regulatory updates, the Subcommittee moved into a closed session to discuss sensitive operational details. The discussion was deemed confidential to protect the Medical Center’s competitive position.
This subcommittee meets every quarter or as needed, ensuring that U.Va. Health maintains high standards and continues to grow in quality and reputation.
For more insights into health system accreditation, you can explore the Joint Commission and its impact on care quality.
