CHI St. Vincent, a leading regional health network serving Central and Southwest Arkansas, announces that CHI St. Vincent Cardiac Rehab-Hot Springs has been awarded certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

The AACVPR certificate places CHI St. Vincent Cardiac Rehab-Hot Springs among the leaders in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, offering the most advanced practices available with a proven track record of high-quality patient care. The certification also recognizes CHI St. Vincent’s commitment to improving patients' quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

“Cardiac events can be life-altering for patients and their families,” CHI Hot Springs President Dr. Doug Ross said. “That’s why it's so important that we give our patients the highest quality of care that follows the most current, evidence-based practices in cardiac rehabilitation. This certificate affirms our promise and commitment to our patients and their families that we are committed to their recovery and long-term health.”

The AACVPR Program Certification is a peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies.

The certification process involves a rigorous review of the program’s practices, including staff competencies, patient outcomes and overall program management. Certified programs are required to meet essential requirements for standards of care, which are reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee. Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

The cardiac rehabilitation program at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs offers a comprehensive recovery approach, including monitored exercise, education on heart-healthy living and counseling to reduce stress and help patients return to an active lifestyle. The program’s multidisciplinary team works closely with each patient to create personalized treatment plans that address individual needs and goals.

As a certified program, CHI St. Vincent Cardiac Rehab-Hot Springs will continue to demonstrate its commitment to quality by participating in a robust certification process and adhering to AACVPR standards. This includes completing an annual report and attesting to maintaining the requirements and practices documented during the initial certification process throughout the three-year certification term.