The Masonic Homes search constantly for opportunities that enhance their vision to be centers of excellence in care and service. In November 1998 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) granted the Masonic Homes accreditation status. In reviewing the benefits of JCAHO accreditation to the residents, staff, and organization, it has been decided to pursue a more comprehensive accreditation through the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) program sponsored by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), and not pursue JCAHO re-accreditation.

The Masonic Homes will continue to maintain the high standards and quality improvement initiatives for which everyone worked so diligently in seeking the JCAHO Accreditation within the Masonic Homes' Quality Improvement program, which monitors care services in the Masonic Health Care Center. The Quality Improvement program is evaluated on a yearly basis and will continue to be based on the standards espoused by the Masonic Homes and JCAHO. The reason for the transition from JCAHO to CCAC is that CCAC accreditation covers a broader scope of self-assessment within the continuum of care that is provided beyond a purely health care focus.

CCAC accreditation will be sought for the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown and the Masonic Eastern Star Home - East at Warminster. Accreditation also will be sought for the Masonic Village at Sewickley following the opening of the Star Points Building and the development of retirement living services.