Mount Sinai Medical Center Becomes First in Florida to Receive Comprehensive Heart Attack Center Certification from The Joint Commission

The medical center joins elite group of U.S. hospitals recognized for excellence in heart attack care

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mount Sinai Medical Center has earned the prestigious Comprehensive Heart Attack Center Certification (CHAC), becoming the first and only hospital in Florida, and one of only eight in the entire nation, to earn this credential. Awarded the Gold Seal of Approval® by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), this certification is a testament to Mount Sinai's mission to delivering the highest level of cardiac care.

A symbol of excellence, this designation reflects Mount Sinai's expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart attacks, and its ability to meet rigorous performance standards. The certification process included a comprehensive two-day, onsite review by Joint Commission surveyors, who evaluated the hospital's cardiac program across key areas including program leadership, delivering and facilitating patient care, performance improvement, participation requirements, and clinical outcomes. The medical center passed every requirement, with metrics outperforming hospitals in Florida and nationwide.

"The Comprehensive Heart Attack Center Certification (CHAC) recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care," says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. "We commend Mount Sinai Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served."

Additionally, Mount Sinai's participation in the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® (AHA-GWTG) registry—which tracks detailed patient case data and outcomes—demonstrated that heart attack treatment metrics exceeded both state and national benchmarks, underscoring the medical center's leadership in evidence-based, lifesaving cardiac care

"We congratulate Mount Sinai Medical Center for this outstanding achievement," says Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, the American Heart Association. "This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for cardiac patients."

The medical center's CHAC certification was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Christian Koelbl, CHAC Program Medical Director, and Marlene Sanchez, Cardiac Program Manager. Together, they established the CHAC Council at Mount Sinai, implementing standardized policies and treatment protocols based on national clinical guidelines to ensure rapid, coordinated, and effective care for every patient.

"This certification demonstrates Mount Sinai's ability to not only meet but exceed national standards for heart attack treatment," said Gino R. Santorio, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. "We have built a program that is fast, comprehensive, and grounded in clinical excellence, carrying out our mission to offer all patients accessible, comprehensive cardiac care in a timely manner. Not only is this designation a reflection of our expertise, but it also presents us the opportunity to continue building and growing an outstanding cardiac program that will positively impact patient outcomes."

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

For more information about Mount Sinai's premier cardiovascular program, please visit msmc.com/cardiovascular-care/.

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About Mount Sinai Medical Center   
Founded in 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center is the largest independent, private, not-for-profit teaching hospital in South Florida. Mount Sinai's mission is to provide quality health care to a diverse community enhanced through teaching, research, charity care, and financial responsibility. Mount Sinai's Centers of Excellence combine technology, research, and academics to provide innovative and comprehensive care in cardiology, neuroscience, oncology, urology, and orthopedics. One of the original statutory teaching hospitals in the state of Florida, Mount Sinai is the hospital of choice for those who seek the level of expertise and care that only a teaching hospital can offer. Mount Sinai currently offers nine convenient locations in Miami-Dade County, including three emergency centers, and three specialty care offices in Monroe County. 

SOURCE Mount Sinai Medical Center