In recognition of its expertise, the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center has received accreditation from the Adult Congenital Heart Association, a nationwide support organization.
UCLA is one of 11 national centers, and the first in Los Angeles, to earn the assocation’s inaugural Adult Congential Heart Disease Accredited Comprehensive Care Center designation.
Individuals with congential heart disease, the most common birth defect diagnosed in one in 100 births, are living longer. There are now 1.4 million adults in the United States living with one of the many different types of congenital heart defects that range from simple to complex.
“Accreditation is an instrumental step in setting thresholds for delivering the highest quality care to this unique group of patients,” said Dr. Jamil Aboulhosn, director of the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Center. “We are honored to be recognized for achieving these high national standards that foster awareness and the best quality of care for adults with CHD.”
UCLA’s center received accreditation by meeting the association’s criteria, which includes medical services and personnel requirements and going through a rigorous accreditation process, both of which were developed through a collaboration with doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and patients.
“There are now more adults than children in the U.S. with CHD,” said Mark Roeder, president and CEO of the association. “Accreditation will elevate the standard of care and have a positive impact on the futures of those living with this disease. Coordination of care is key, and this accreditation program will make care more streamlined for patients, improving their quality of life.”
The Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center is a national and international tertiary care resource that provides services to the growing number of patients with congenital heart disease who reach adulthood.
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