The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has named Northside Hospital Forsyth as a Level III maternal care verified facility.
Northside Hospital Forsyth underwent a comprehensive on-site review on May 21-22 during which the hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies were evaluated.
The Maternal and Neonatal Levels of Care Designation Program ensures that birthing hospitals comply with specific care standards. These standards are derived from guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), tailored for Georgia birthing facilities.
The levels of care offer clear criteria, enabling hospitals to determine the patients they can adequately care for and those who need to be transferred to a facility with more advanced services.
“Northside Forsyth obtaining this Level III designation demonstrates our commitment to provide not only exceptional maternity care to our community and North Georgia but also validates our ability to deliver high-quality care for those experiencing complex maternity medical conditions,” said Jill Sams, BSN, RNC, director of women’s services at Northside Forsyth.
“As a Level III facility, Northside Hospital Forsyth has demonstrated it has the expertise, equipment and resources in place for patient’s specific needs and risk level. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” Northside Forsyth CEO Lynn Jackson said.
“Our thanks go out to our community for the continued trust and support as we strive to deliver the highest standard of healthcare close to home.”
“Northside Forsyth’s Level III MLC designation contributes to the national goal of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through compliance and alignment with systems to standardize the provision of risk-appropriate maternal care. This achievement is a reflection of the strong relationships that exist between our Women’s Center’s physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary clinical team,” Carolyn Booker, DNP, R.N., NEA-BC, chief nursing officer of Northside Hospital Forsyth said.
In 2022, DPH announced a partnership with The Joint Commission, recognizing its MLC Verification program. Northside Hospital Atlanta was the first hospital in the country to receive MLC Verification and the first in Georgia to receive a Level IV Maternal Center Designation from DPH.
“The Department congratulates Northside Hospital Forsyth for this achievement and appreciates the contributions that you make to the health and well‐being of Georgia mothers,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, MPH, commissioner, Georgia DPH, in a letter to the hospital on June 11.
Learn more about maternity and newborn services at Northside.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks 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 Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at jointcommission.org.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters through evidence-based decision and policy making, health equity, collaboration and continuous quality improvement. For more information about DPH, visit dph.ga.gov.
