Cardiac Certifications
In collaboration with The Joint Commission, The American Heart Association provides a comprehensive portfolio of cardiac certifications, available to all hospitals nationwide.
Cardiac Systems of Care
Select the program that fits your hospital’s unique needs and goals. Learn more on The Joint Commission’s website.
- Level III: Acute Heart Attack Ready (AHAR) – For heart attack systems of care referring hospitals that may or may not perform primary PCI’s.
- Level II: Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC) – Ideal for hospitals performing primary PCI around the clock, all year long.
- Level I: Comprehensive Heart Attack Center (CHAC) – For hospitals performing cardiac surgical services and primary PCI around the clock, all year long. Launching July 1, 2022.
Additional Cardiac Certifications
- Advanced Heart Failure Certification - Recognizing hospital inpatient or outpatient programs that demonstrate exceptional care and optimize quality of life.
- Comprehensive Cardiac Center - For hospitals providing care for every touch point in the cardiac care continuum.
Cardiac Systems of Care
Hospitals referring and receiving heart attack patients have specific roles in the heart attack system of care, as defined in the recent policy statement from the American Heart Association. Each player in the broader system of care should be as prepared as possible to collaboratively perform evidence-based, lifesaving treatment.
Support & Resources for Certifying Hospitals
Once certified, hospitals have access to an online community, education, resources, quality improvement consultants, a marketing toolkit, and the opportunity to participate in an advisory group.
The American Heart Association works in collaboration with The Joint Commission to develop truly meaningful programs that facilitate improvements in cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Stroke Certifications
Explore a comprehensive portfolio of stroke-focused certifications to improve patient care and achieve your organization’s goals.