Sanford Fargo awarded The Joint Commission recertification
June 12, 2025
Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org
FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo has been awarded The Joint Commission recertification in four orthopedic specialties.
Sanford Fargo earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total hip replacement, total knee replacement, total shoulder replacement and hip fracture certification by demonstrating compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
“We are grateful and proud to receive recertification by The Joint Commission,” said Michael Erickson, Sanford Health vice president of operations for orthopedic and sports medicine services. “This is a direct reflection of our talented team, and their dedication to providing world class health care at home. Sanford Health takes great pride in providing innovative solutions for successful patient outcomes.”
The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for orthopedics. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.
Sanford Fargo underwent a rigorous, 3-day on-site review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
The certification is for 24 months. Sanford Fargo was the first health care organization in North Dakota to receive The Joint Commission certification in total hip replacement, total knee replacement, total shoulder replacement and hip fracture in 2013.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
