99th Medical Group takes on inspection and accreditation Published Feb. 21, 2012 By Maj. Chad Claar 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron Public Health flight commander NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Air Force Inspection Agency and a panel from The Joint Commission, a civilian association for the accreditation of health care organizations, visited the 99th Medical Group Feb. 13-17 for a review of the facilities and procedures. Both organizations conducted a thorough review of medical group compliance with standards of clinical practice, management of medical programs and the ability to support the United States Air Force mission. A nine member Inspector General team conducted the Health Services Inspection evaluation. Three major areas graded included, In-Garrison Medical Operations, Expeditionary Medical Operations and Oversight Management. The 99th MDG earned an overall "Excellent" rating at the conclusion of the HSI. The inspections are directed by the Headquarters USAF Inspector General to be performed every 36 months. However, due to the 99th MDG's HSI being coupled with the Joint Commission survey, a minimal notice inspection was performed seven months earlier than the anticipated three year review. The earlier inspections gave 99th MDG leadership notification dates seven days prior to the arrival of both teams. While a large number of medical programs shined during the inspection, the IG team acknowledged three programs as being benchmark programs in Air Force medicine during an out-brief with the 99th Wing Vice Commander, Col. Carol Yannarella. These programs were a highly-effective mental health resiliency program, a noteworthy public health, and communicable disease management program. The Inspection team also mentioned a "best-seen-to-date" medical self-inspection program. The HSI team recognized five outstanding performers and presented three additional members with an IG coin for exceptional support throughout the inspection. In addition to the Air Force IG inspection requirement, DoD policy requires that all military medical treatment facilities retain national accreditation. The ultimate purpose of the accreditation process is to improve the quality of health care at the medical treatment facility being surveyed. The stated mission of The Joint Commission is "to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value." The agency updates its accreditation standards and expands patient safety goals on a yearly basis. The Joint Commission was led by a team of four members, including three surveyors and one observer. This inspection team evaluated the medical center for three days with a focus on accountability measures that promote health care quality improvement. Overall, the surveyors noted particular success with the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center's interdisciplinary team patient care rounds, commitment to patient safety and its mission. The inspection resulted in the renewal of full accreditation for the MOFMC. Col. John DeGoes, 99th MDG commander, commented on the extraordinary partnership with our joint Veterans Affairs team as pivotal to achieving accreditation. "Our people have worked incredibly hard to establish policies and procedures that adhere to standards and lead to the safest, highest quality care," DeGoes said. "Our motto of Safety - Standards - Service guided the way and the ratings from this inspection are testament to how MOFMC members have excelled at the mission, while ensuring compliance with Air Force standards." Col. Carol Yannarella, 99th Air Base Wing vice commander, echoed how proud she was of the entire medical team for their continued commitment to compliance, professionalism and caring for our people.
