AdventHealth Manchester Named Level I Maternal Care Verified Facility from The Joint Commission

MANCHESTER, Ky., April 02, 2025 — The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), has named AdventHealth Manchester as a Level I Maternal Care Verified Facility.

As a Level I facility, AdventHealth Manchester has demonstrated it can care for normal pregnancies and recognize complications that may need referrals to higher-level facilities. This includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for low-risk pregnancies.

AdventHealth Manchester underwent a comprehensive on-site review on February 25, 2025, to verify the level of care provided. During the on-site verification visit, AdventHealth Manchester capabilities related to maternity care were evaluated. Additionally, compliance with AdventHealth Manchester policies were reviewed.

The MLC Verification program provides an objective assessment of a facility’s capabilities and verifies that a hospital has the expertise, equipment, and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level. When complications arise, verification also confirms hospitals have agreements in place so the mother can be transferred to a higher-level facility with the appropriate level of care.

"At AdventHealth Manchester, we believe that every mother deserves the highest quality of care during one of the most critical times in her life. Being verified as a Level I Maternal Care Facility underscores our commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and comprehensive care for all expecting mothers in our community," says Nick Bejarano, CEO of AdventHealth Manchester. "This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that maternal care is prioritized and that we are prepared to address any challenges that may arise during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum."

This verification reflects the organization's commitment to excellence in providing the highest quality and safe care to obstetric patients. Additionally, the organization has co-hosted a Health Equity Fair with Thompson Scholars, which is another example of efforts to improve maternal care. The Manchester Baby at Home Guide is another initiative aimed at providing comprehensive information and support to new mothers.

“The Joint Commission commends AdventHealth Manchester for being named a Level I Maternal Care Verified Facility and for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program will help AdventHealth Manchester strengthen regionalized care for mothers and babies in its community.”

The MLC Verification program was developed using ACOG’s Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus (OCC) clinical guidance, which includes comprehensive uniform definitions, a standardized description of maternity facility capabilities and personnel, and a framework for integrated systems that address maternal health needs. To learn more, visit The Joint Commission website.