Our Joint Commission
Accreditation Journey
Pathways Clinic is the first and only pregnancy medical center in the nation to achieve accreditation by The Joint Commission — the gold standard in healthcare quality.
Nationally Accredited by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Earning their Gold Seal of Approval means Pathways Clinic has met or exceeded the most rigorous national standards for patient safety, quality of care, and clinical excellence — verified through an independent, unannounced on-site evaluation.
THE JOURNEY
Years of Excellence,
Now Nationally Recognized.
Pathways Clinic has always held itself to the highest standards of patient care, safety, and clinical excellence. But in 2024, we set out to prove it — not just to our community, but to the nation. We pursued accreditation by The Joint Commission, the same independent body that evaluates the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems.
The process was rigorous. Every protocol, every policy, every patient interaction was evaluated against the most demanding national standards in healthcare. Our team rose to meet every requirement — and in doing so, made history.
Pathways Clinic became the first and only pregnancy medical center in the United States to achieve Joint Commission accreditation. It is a milestone that reflects not just the dedication of our staff and leadership, but the generosity of every donor and supporter who made our growth possible.
“This accreditation confirms what our patients have always known — that Pathways Clinic provides exceptional, compassionate care that meets the highest national standards.”
What Joint Commission Accreditation Means
✅ Independent verification of quality standards
✅ Rigorous on-site evaluation of clinical practices
✅ Commitment to patient safety & continuous improvement
✅ Recognition as a trusted healthcare provider
✅ The same standard as nationally leading hospitals
BY THE NUMBERS
Why This Accreditation Matters
Official Press Release
Pathways Clinic
360-834-7256 | kimberli@pathwaysclinic.care
www.pathwaysclinic.care
Pathways Clinic Becomes First and Only Pregnancy Medical Center in the Nation to Earn Joint Commission Accreditation
Clark County Ministry’s Historic Achievement Sets National Standard for Life-Affirming Healthcare Quality and Safety
VANCOUVER, Wash. — June 2026
Pathways Clinic, a pro-life pregnancy medical center and resource center ministry serving Clark County since 1994, has earned Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission — and in doing so, has achieved what appears to be a first in the nation.
Following an exhaustive search of The Joint Commission’s quality check directory across all 50 states, Pathways Clinic appears to be the only pregnancy medical center in the United States currently holding Joint Commission Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation.
The accreditation was awarded following an onsite survey conducted April 9–10, 2026, during which a team of Joint Commission surveyors assessed compliance across key standards including infection prevention and control, medication management, environment of care, leadership, and performance improvement.
“Thirty-two years ago, Pathways Clinic was founded on a conviction that every life matters — and we have stood faithfully in that calling every day since, even as the climate around us has grown more hostile to that truth. Joint Commission Accreditation is a declaration that the women and babies we serve deserve exceptional, credible, compassionate care — and it is a shield. We pursued this not because it was required, but because they are worth it — and because legacy demands it.”
— Kimberli Swenson, Executive Director, Pathways Clinic
The significance of the achievement was underscored during the research process. Multiple sources, including widely used AI tools, indicated that The Joint Commission did not accredit pregnancy medical centers. Pathways Clinic pursued accreditation regardless, completing a comprehensive two-year overhaul of its entire policy and procedure framework.
“Joint Commission congratulates Pathways Clinic for achieving accreditation by demonstrating its focus on delivering safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Through the accreditation process, we worked closely with Pathways Clinic to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. Together, we are elevating care for all patients, and we appreciate Pathways Clinic’s collaboration throughout this process.”
— Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission
Founded in 1994 and now in its 32nd year, Pathways Clinic provides a comprehensive range of no-cost services to women, men, and families throughout Clark County (including many patients from neighboring Skamania County). Clinical services include pregnancy testing, limited first and second trimester obstetric ultrasound, and STI testing and treatment. The clinic also provides peer counseling and advocacy, as well as social services including material support, pregnancy and parenting education, life skills classes, and community referrals. All services are provided completely free of charge. Pathways Clinic does not receive government funding and operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded entirely by private donors.
Pathways Clinic is currently in the early stages of a capital campaign to expand its programs and services. We are also committed to helping other pregnancy medical centers pursue accreditation by sharing our knowledge, resources, and lessons learned. To support the campaign or learn more about accreditation support, visit givebutter.com/pathways-legacy-fund or contact Kimberli Swenson at kimberli@pathwaysclinic.care.
For more information about Pathways Clinic, visit www.pathwaysclinic.care or call 360-834-7256.
About Pathways Clinic
Founded in 1994, Pathways Clinic is a pro-life pregnancy medical center and resource center ministry serving Clark County, Washington. The first and only pregnancy medical center in the United States to hold Joint Commission Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation, Pathways has provided free early pregnancy services for 32 years. For more information, visit www.pathwaysclinic.care.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest healthcare standards-setting and accrediting body. As an independent, nonprofit organization, it evaluates and accredits more than 23,000 healthcare organizations and programs across the United States. Its core mission is to continuously improve patient safety and healthcare quality in collaboration with other stakeholders. For media inquiries or further information, please contact the Media Relations Team at Press@jointcommission.org.
Help Us Build on This Foundation.
Accreditation is a milestone, not a finish line. Help Pathways Clinic continue to grow, serve more families, and set the standard for excellence in pregnancy care across the nation.
Support the Mission →“Giving Hope — Sharing Grace — SAVING Lives.”