[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S7026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING EIGHT MAINE HOSPITALS RECEIVING THE LEAPFROG GROUP'S TOP 
                             HOSPITAL AWARD

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the eight 
Maine hospitals being awarded the Leapfrog Group's Top Hospital Award. 
I am proud of the work that our State's medical institutions have done 
to attain the highest standards of hospital quality and safety. St. 
Mary's Regional received the Top General Hospital Award, and Bridgton 
Hospital, Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, LincolnHealth, Mayo 
Regional Hospital, Pen Bay Medical Center, Sebasticook Valley Health, 
and Stephens Memorial Hospital received the Top Rural Hospital Award.
  The Leapfrog Group is an independent hospital watchdog group, working 
with hospitals around the country to discover and recognize the top 
performers. The surveys they conduct compare hospitals' performance 
``on national standards of patient safety, quality, efficiency, and 
management structures that prevent errors, providing the most 
comprehensive picture of how patients fare at individual 
institutions.'' These rigorous standards have been used to vet 
thousands of hospitals across the Nation, and these eight Maine 
facilities have proven themselves worthy of recognition. The standards, 
quality, and safety that these hospitals have exhibited is emblematic 
of the work ethic and of the values that make Maine such a great place. 
As such, they contribute to Maine business's storied legacy of 
dedication to quality and high standards.
  The people of our country depend on the efficient and quality 
functioning of health centers, and these eight Maine hospitals have 
proven their great commitment to quality care. Thanks to their 
continued efforts, individuals and families across the State of Maine 
have access to much-needed services--and the entire State is stronger 
because of it. The work of these hospitals serve as a shining example 
that I hope will be emulated across the State of Maine and the Nation, 
as all Americans deserve access to health care facilities with a strong 
track record of quality service and commitment to excellence.
  I congratulate these eight Maine hospitals for their work providing 
high quality crucial health care services to the people of Maine and 
thank them for their pursuit of excellence. I am proud of these great 
Maine institutions and look forward to their continued success.

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