Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Oncology received certification by the QOPI Certification Program, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The QOPI Certification Program builds on the Society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.

Grand Valley Oncology participated in a voluntary comprehensive on-site assessment against clearly specified standards that are consistent with national guidelines and was successful in meeting the standards and objectives of the QOPI Certification Program.

To become QOPI Certified, practices must meet standards in creating a safe care environment, ensuring appropriate staffing and competencies, establishing clear policies, developing treatment plans, obtaining patient consent and providing education, safely ordering, preparing, dispensing and administering chemotherapy, and monitoring patients after treatment for adherence, toxicity, complications, and overall well-being.

“When a practice earns QOPI certification, it demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering safe, high-quality cancer care,” Board Chair of the Association Lynn M. Schuchter said. “For patients, this certification adds confidence that their treatment team continually strives to deliver the best possible care.”

The QOPI Certification Program was launched in January 2010, and more than 300 practices are currently certified.