Only four percent of all long term care units surveyed were deemed worthy of a perfect rating, it said, noting UPMC Horizon garnered an overall rating of 94. Only 30 percent of all hospitals inspected receive scores of 94 or above, it said.

"That's two huge votes of confidence in the past month," said UPMC Horizon Chief Executive Officer J. Larry Heinike. "We know we're providing excellent care. It is good to have other, respected organizations recognize that excellence."

Standard & Poors recently raised its rating of UPMC Horizon's bond issues in recognition of the hospital's "solid operating performance."

JCAHO is an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits nearly 18,000 heath care organizations and programs in the United States. To earn and maintain accreditation, an organization must undergo a thorough on-site survey by a team of health care professionals at least every three years.

In December, an inspection team including a doctor, nurse, administrator and specialists in long term care and behavioral health spent four days at UPMC Horizon. The team reviewed records and policies, interviewed staff and made an unscheduled evening visit to determine how well the hospital's procedures, facilities and patient care meet their standards.

Team leader Dr. Meredith E. Sorrell was impressed with UPMC Horizon's approach to patient safety., according to the UPMC news release.

Registered nurse Teryl R. Miller commented on the hospital's excellent medical record, remarking that this was the first time he had not been able to suggest improvements to a hospital's documentation system, it said.

After touting the new Womancare Center in Hermitage, Frank Gilliam Jr., a hospital administrator, praised the concept of having so many related services under one roof and wished his wife had access to such a facility, according to the release.

Participation in JCAHO accreditation is voluntary and preparation for the triennial inspection is a continuous process.

Michael Downing, vice president of planning, chairs the interdisciplinary team of hospital personnel that prepares for the survey.

JCAHO accreditation assures the community that UPMC Horizon meets national standards. More importantly, it promotes attention to detail and process improvement, the release said.

According to Dr. Russell P. Massaro, JCAHO's executive vice president of accreditation operations, "The community should be proud that UPMC Horizon is focusing on the most challenging of goals -- to continuously raise quality to higher levels."

UPMC Horizon serves communities in Mercer County and surrounding counties with hospital facilities in Greenville and Farrell, the Womancare Center in Hermitage, and diagnostic services in Mercer and New Wilmington.