Washington Regional Earns Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement

• Published: 10/3/2025

Washington Regional has achieved The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement. This prestigious certification recognizes Washington Regional’s commitment to patient safety and quality of care for hip and knee replacement. Washington Regional first achieved the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for hip and knee replacement in 2013 before earning Advanced Certification, which is the highest level of certification awarded by The Joint Commission. Washington Regional is one of only three hospitals in the state and the only hospital in Northwest Arkansas to hold Advanced Certification for hip and knee replacement from The Joint Commission. 

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the entire joint replacement process, from the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the surgical procedure, hospitalization, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopaedic surgeon. The Washington Regional Total Joint Center offers both conventional and robotic-assisted elective hip and knee replacement surgery. Patients receive specialized education and support that begin as soon as joint surgery is scheduled and continues through recovery.

“More than a million Americans undergo knee or hip replacement surgery each year, and that number is expected to climb,” said Washington Regional Chief Operating Officer Birch Wright. “The expert team of surgeons and staff within Washington Regional’s Total Joint Center are dedicated to helping joint replacement patients improve their quality of life.”

“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Washington Regional 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.”

To achieve the certification, Washington Regional underwent a rigorous on-site survey with surveyors from The Joint Commission, which is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious quality accreditation and certification body in health care.