Atlanta, Ga. (March 31, 2025) – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital is now verified as a level IV maternal care facility by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This is the highest level in the Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program.
On Dec. 5 and 6, Piedmont Atlanta underwent a comprehensive on-site review of its capabilities and compliance with policies in the Grass Family Women’s Center. To achieve level IV status, Piedmont Atlanta demonstrated its ability to provide on-site medical and surgical care for the most complex maternal conditions in critically ill pregnant women and fetuses throughout the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum stages.
The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program provides an objective assessment of a facility’s expertise, equipment and resources to meet patient needs at different risk levels.
“For a century, our Women’s Services staff at Piedmont Atlanta has provided high-quality, personalized care to women and their babies,” said Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Frilot. “We hope this designation adds to patients’ confidence in the Grass Family Women’s Center to meet their unique needs.”
Through Piedmont Atlanta, patients have access to a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics program for special heart concerns related to pregnancy, comprehensive perinatal education programs that have benefitted more than 2,000 families, and an innovative medical device to effectively control abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage. Piedmont providers systemwide also follow standardized obstetric order sets.
“The Joint Commission commends Piedmont Atlanta for being named a level IV maternal care verified facility and for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality,” said 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 Piedmont Atlanta 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's website.
Piedmont Atlanta is one of four hospitals in Georgia to achieve this level of accreditation.