The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has launched a new accreditation offering for pharmacies, in collaboration with the Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy Quality Commission (LTC@HQC).

In a Nov. 11 press release, BOC said it’s “now one of the qualified accrediting organizations in the United States to offer customers LTC@Home Pharmacy Accreditation. The accreditation validates the quality standards established by LTC@HQC and supports pharmacies in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with long-term health-care needs who qualify to receive care in their homes.”

LTC@HQC standards take a holistic approach to long-term care and the ongoing needs of patients, such as medication management and specialized care coordination, the announcement added — while supporting patients who, despite more complex medical issues, want to remain in their homes.

“This model aims to replicate the continuity of care traditionally found in long-term care facilities, but in a familiar at-home setting where patients are more comfortable,” BOC said. “The growth of the LTC@HQC reflects a broader shift in health-care philosophy, prioritizing the support of individuals with chronic conditions or complex medical needs in homes versus institutional settings. Pharmacies that can support these patients in compliance with the quality and safety standards will be in demand as this trend continues.”

“By 2030, the entire baby boomer generation will be 65 or older, with many over 85 years old,” said Lindsay Dymowski Constantino, founder and president of LTC@HQC. “We are proud to join forces with BOC on this initiative and are inspired by their leadership as the first accrediting organization to embrace this new accreditation. This milestone helps us set the stage for our nation’s aging population to receive exceptional long-term care in the comfort of their own homes.”

“This partnership with the Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy Quality Commission represents an innovative approach to the provision of care for patients, and BOC is proud to bring our 40 years of credentialing experience forward to support this important new accreditation,” said Judi Knott, president and CEO of BOC. “The LTC@Home Pharmacy Accreditation establishes the standard for pharmacies providing home-based, long-term care and validates superior service, meticulous medication management and unwavering patient support.”

BOC is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.