White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, recently announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification — the highest level of stroke care accreditation awarded in the United States. The designation recognizes the hospital’s ability to deliver the most advanced, evidence-based care for patients experiencing complex strokes, with 24/7 access to specialized neuroscience services.
“We are incredibly proud to receive Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from the Joint Commission,” said Dr. Rafael A. Ortiz, executive director of Neurosciences at White Plains Hospital. “In stroke care, every minute matters. Achieving this designation reflects our ability to deliver rapid, highly specialized treatment when patients need it most – and ensures our community has access to the highest level of care close to home.”
As part of the certification process, White Plains Hospital underwent a rigorous, onsite review in February 2026. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with certification standards, including program management, rapid diagnosis and treatment, advanced imaging capabilities, and the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary stroke care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health-care experts, providers, measurement specialists and patients.
“Comprehensive Stroke Center certification recognizes health-care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend White Plains Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.” Achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center status less than two years after earning Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification is a testament to the growth and advancement of White Plains Hospital’s neurosciences program under Dr. Ortiz’s leadership,” he said.
White Plains Hospital is a member of Montefiore Einstein, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health-care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas.
