Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Earns Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is proud to announce that its Emergency Department has achieved Level 3 (Bronze) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). This recognition highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing specialized, high-quality care for older adults in the community.

The GEDA program—developed by ACEP with support from The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and the John A. Hartford Foundation—recognizes emergency departments that meet rigorous standards and best practices in geriatric care. Accreditation reflects a dedication to improving patient outcomes for older adults through enhanced clinical protocols, specialized training, and patient-centered approaches.

“Achieving Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation demonstrates our team’s strong commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of older adults,” said Philip Reber, COO/Interim CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “We are proud to provide specialized resources, advanced training, and a care environment designed to support the safety, dignity, and well-being of our senior patients.”

The GEDA program builds on national guidelines established in 2014 by ACEP and leading emergency care organizations, which recommend best practices such as geriatric-focused staff education, specialized equipment, and routine screening for conditions like delirium, dementia, and fall risk.

As a Level 3 (Bronze) accredited facility, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has successfully implemented many of these best practices, including interdisciplinary geriatric education, improved care processes, and access to geriatric-appropriate equipment and resources.

This achievement reflects the dedication of an interdisciplinary team committed to elevating care for older adults and signals to the community that Lakewood Ranch Medical Center prioritizes excellence in emergency medicine for aging populations.