The Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use is a new certification program created by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA).
This certificate recognizes hospitals for their important role in supporting people with a substance use disorder who give birth, and acknowledges the significant progress of birthing hospitals who follow best practices in perinatal care.
This program and only available for birthing hospitals. Birth centers and community health clinics are not yet eligible.
How to become a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use
Frequently Asked Questions about Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use
What does it mean to be a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use?
Substance use during pregnancy is an important patient safety issue. The prenatal and postpartum period presents a unique and important opportunity to:
- Address the complex and challenging health needs of people who are pregnant and have a substance use disorder.
- Provide interventions that improve maternal and child well-being.
- Deliver evidence-informed services, including linkages to treatment and community resources.
By becoming a Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use, you:
- Highlight a consistent approach to care, reducing variation and the risk of error.
- Provide a framework to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
- Help to organize teams across the continuum of care.
- Strengthen community confidence in the quality and safety of care, treatment and services.
- Provide evidence-informed tools to support moms, babies, and families.
- Receive long-term support and awareness of best practices and available resources.
- Recognize the hard work and dedication of hospital staff and care providers.
Hospitals who apply and successfully meet all the required criteria will receive:
- A certificate signifying their Center of Excellence status, signed by DOH, WSHA, and HCA.
- Window decals that they can place throughout the hospital showcasing their achievement.
- A Center of Excellence graphic to use on presentations or webpages.
- A sample press release and social media messaging.
- Promotion by the Department of Health.