Torrance Memorial Medical Center Named Level III Maternal Care Verified Facility from The Joint Commission
Torrance Memorial Medical Center has become the first facility in California to receive a new national designation in recognition of its capability to care for more complex maternal medical conditions, obstetric complications and fetal conditions.
The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), has named Torrance Memorial Medical Center as a Level III maternal care verified facility.
Torrance Memorial underwent a comprehensive on-site review on December 21-22, 2022 to verify the level of care provided. During the on-site verification visit, Torrance Memorial’s capabilities related to maternity care were evaluated. Additionally, compliance with Torrance Memorial policies were reviewed.
With the focus on delivering the highest quality of maternal care, Torrance Memorial created an interdisciplinary high-risk committee to review and develop individualized care plans for mother and baby with prenatally diagnosed conditions. Additionally, Torrance Memorial adopted multiple safety bundles from CMQCC including VTE, maternal hypertensive crisis, massive transfusion and maternal sepsis protocols. As a certified infant safe sleep center patients can expect the highest level of care.
“It is an honor to be the first hospital in California to receive the Level III maternal care verification designation. This designation reflects the commitment to excellence by every member of the Torrance Memorial’s maternal child department,” said Mary Wright, Torrance Memorial Senior Vice President Patient Services/Chief Nursing Officer.
The MLC Verification program provides an objective assessment of a facility’s capabilities and verifies that a hospital has the expertise, equipment and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level. When complications arise, verification also confirms hospitals have agreements in place so the mother can be transferred to a higher-level facility with the appropriate level of care.
“The Joint Commission commends Torrance Memorial for being named a Level III maternal care verified facility and for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program will help TMMC strengthen regionalized care for mothers and babies in its community.”
The MLC Verification program was developed using ACOG’s Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus (OCC) clinical guidance, which includes comprehensive uniform definitions, a standardized description of maternity facility capabilities and personnel, and a framework for integrated systems that address maternal health needs.
