Salisbury, MD — Chesapeake Health Care, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality health care to individuals and families across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, has earned accreditation in Ambulatory Health Care and Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, as well as certification as a Primary Care Medical Home, from The Joint Commission.
The accreditation and certification recognize Chesapeake Health Care’s ongoing commitment to meeting rigorous, evidence-based performance standards and delivering the safest, highest quality care to the community it serves. The organization received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, one of the most widely recognized symbols of excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety.
Chesapeake Health Care underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey in December 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance across key areas including patient safety and clinical care, performance improvement and data security, patient-centered care delivery, environment of care and safety protocols, staff competency and credentialing, and integrated behavioral health services.
“This accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment for our organization,” said Brian Holland, CEO of Chesapeake Health Care. “I am incredibly proud of our entire team for their dedication to quality and patient safety. This recognition reflects the hard work that happens every day across all our sites to ensure we are providing safe, effective, and compassionate care.”
In preparation for the survey, teams across the organization conducted comprehensive reviews of policies and procedures, strengthened compliance documentation, enhanced performance improvement initiatives through data-driven outcomes, and reinforced staff training and credentialing processes. Leadership worked closely with clinical and administrative teams to ensure readiness, coordination, and alignment with Joint Commission standards.
Holland also acknowledged the leadership behind the effort. “I would like to extend special recognition to Christie Brittingham, QA/QI Coordinator, and Nancy Baker, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, for their exceptional leadership throughout this process. Their attention to detail, organization, and commitment to excellence were instrumental in guiding our teams and ensuring we met every standard with confidence.”
Joint Commission surveyors conducted on-site observations and interviews to identify performance strengths and opportunities for continued improvement. With decades of expertise and a data-driven accreditation process, The Joint Commission helps ensure healthcare organizations adhere to leading quality and safety practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
“Joint Commission congratulates Chesapeake Health Care for achieving accreditation by demonstrating its focus on delivering safe and effective care of the highest quality and value,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “Through the accreditation process, we worked closely with Chesapeake Health Care to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. Together, we are elevating care for all patients, and we appreciate Chesapeake Health Care’s collaboration throughout this process.”
Earning accreditation reflects Chesapeake Health Care’s continued commitment to strengthening its culture of quality and ensuring that the individuals and families it serves receive care that meets the highest national standards.
For more information about Chesapeake Health Care, visit www.chesapeakehc.org. To learn more about accreditation, visit The Joint Commission’s website at www.jointcommission.org.
