Cardiac Certifications
Cardiac Systems of Care
The American Heart Association recently published a policy statement, Systems of Care for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. This statement sets forth recommendations for how the ideal STEMI system of care should be designed and implemented to ensure that patients with STEMI receive the best evidence-based care at each stage in their illness.
STEMI referring hospitals and STEMI receiving centers have specific roles in a STEMI system of care, and each should be as prepared as possible to collaboratively perform evidence-based, lifesaving treatment. Transferring patients from a STEMI referring hospital to a STEMI receiving center is part of a continuum of care that should establish hand-off and transfer protocols, including backup plans and procedures that ensure safe patient care and rapid transfer between facilities.
The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, offer these certifications to help you and your community achieve the goals of a STEMI system of care.
- Level III: Acute Heart Attack Ready (AHAR) – For STEMI referring hospitals that may or may not perform primary PCI’s
- Level II: Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC) – Ideal for hospitals performing primary PCI 24/7/365
- Level I: Comprehensive Heart Attack Center (CHAC) –For hospitals performing cardiac surgical services and primary PCI 24/7/365
Explore Our Other Cardiac Certifications
You have several choices for certifying your cardiac program. Visit each web page to learn more.
- Comprehensive Cardiac Center - For hospitals providing care for every touch point in the cardiac care continuum
- Advanced Certification in Heart Failure - For hospitals with an inpatient heart failure program
- Ventricular Assist Device - For organizations providing VAD therapy
- Basic certification options such as chest pain, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure
Continuous Collaboration
Some of these certifications are offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Once certified you have access to an online community, education, resources, quality improvement consultants, a marketing toolkit, and the opportunity to participate in an advisory group.