Mercy Home Health Team Earns Heart Failure Certification

Mercy South and Mercy Jefferson have earned Home Health Heart Failure certification from the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.

The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating home health agencies against the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based standards for heart failure patients, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

“This certification affirms the lifesaving mission and goal of the American Heart Association to help every person everywhere have the opportunity for a longer, healthier life,” said Kyle G. Lavergne, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, American Heart Association volunteer and founding member of the certification standards writing committee and vice president of clinical programs for CenterWell Home Health in Atlanta. “We’re pleased to have Mercy South and Mercy Jefferson join the national network of American Heart Association Home Health Heart Failure certified agencies.”

Mercy’s home health team provides personalized care for patients by offering assessments, teaching and training, performing skilled treatments and providing assistance with daily activities. Mercy’s team of nurses, therapists, social workers and personal care aides provides a variety of treatment options within a patient’s residence, such as infusion, physical, occupational and speech therapy, skilled nursing and medical social services.

“Our home health team is focused on improving the lives of our patients,” said Monica Rozier, BSN, RN, executive director of home health and hospice for Mercy South and Mercy Jefferson. “Earning this certification reflects our dedication to heart failure patients and providing that care in the convenience of their own homes. We look forward to continuing this care with the support of the American Heart Association.”

The certification signifies confidence that:

• Mercy’s heart failure program is based on standards aligned with the American Heart Association science.
• Mercy is recognized by the American Heart Association based on professional evaluation criteria designed by heart failure and home care experts.
• Care is coordinated from pre-admission through working with the home health agency to discharge.