The certification recognizes hospital inpatient programs that demonstrate exceptional patient and family-centered care and enhance the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

Palliative Care uses a team approach to care for patients of any age and stage of illness, working to provide relief from their symptoms, which often go beyond physical pain to include stress caused by financial or relational factors.

To receive the certification, Floyd passed onsite reviews conducted by palliative care experts who evaluated the programs standards, clinical guidelines and performance measurement activities. The Joint Commission takes several factors into consideration when awarding the certification, including a review of the programs interdisciplinary team, support offered by hospital leadership and communication and coordination of care.

By successfully demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commissions standards, Floyd is awarded certification for a two-year period. In doing so, Floyd joins The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon as the only other hospital in the state to receive the certification