Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States has earned the Health Equity Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), reinforcing its leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing health equity in the communities it serves. This prestigious accreditation, valid through 2027, recognizes Kaiser Permanente’s exceptional efforts to embed cultural humility, inclusion, and equitable care into its organizational culture.
The Health Equity Accreditation is an updated accreditation, replacing its NCQA’s Multicultural Health Care Distinction, which Kaiser Permanente has held in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. since 2017. This new accreditation reflects a modernized framework designed to address structural barriers to equity and provide actionable strategies for healthcare organizations. By earning this updated recognition, Kaiser Permanente reaffirms its unwavering commitment to reducing racial, ethnic, linguistic, and gender-based disparities in healthcare.
“Our commitment to designing a care system that meets the needs of every patient has empowered us to address the needs of the diverse communities we serve, ensuring exceptional care for every patient, every time in the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Israel Rocha, Jr., Regional President, Kaiser Permanente, Mid-Atlantic States.
Key highlights of Kaiser Permanente’s health equity initiatives include:
- Kaiser Permanente’s commercial health plan in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., is the only plan in the country to receive both a 5-star from NCQA for quality and the NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation.
- In 2023, Kaiser Permanente researchers conducted a quality improvement analysis on racial equity in type 2 diabetes care. The study, based on over 10,000 survey responses and 4,500 medical records, revealed that social risk factors—such as financial strain, food insecurity, and housing instability—contributed to 12% of racial disparities in type 2 diabetes prevalence between Black and White patients. Presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Session, these findings highlight how addressing social determinants of health can help reduce disparities and advance equity both within Kaiser Permanente and across the healthcare system.
- In 2024, Kaiser Permanente awarded nearly $2.3 million in grants to 38 community organizations and nonprofits to advance access to healthcare and promote health equity in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
- Kaiser Permanente provides interpretation services to members in more than 200 languages, including through its own qualified bilingual staff, and emphasizes cultural sensitivity training and awareness for all new staff and physicians.
- Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model, which combines comprehensive care and coverage, allows it to identify and address health disparities effectively. By recording and analyzing patient interactions in an electronic health record system, Kaiser Permanente can close care gaps and ensure equitable outcomes for all members.
- The diversity of Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians reflects the vibrant communities it serves. This shared understanding enables the organization to provide personalized, culturally sensitive care that respects and values every patient.
“The NCQA Health Equity Accreditation represents our commitment to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes. At Kaiser Permanente, our diverse physician workforce, of over 1.800 physicians across more than 60 specialties, leverages an integrated care model and comprehensive electronic health records, to continuously identify and satisfy the healthcare needs of our patients. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in health care by creating inclusion and belonging for all patients. Not only do we provide comprehensive diagnosis and medical decision-making, but also ensure that our physicians and staff treat each individual patient with dignity and empathy to improve their experiences and health outcomes,” said Richard J. McCarthy, MD, Executive Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente. “In fact, research shows that on average our patients have a life expectancy six years longer than the national average. We are proud to provide nation leading care to Kaiser Permanente members in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.”
For more information about Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States and our mission to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care, visit kp.org.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
