Henry Ford Hospital Achieves Highest Maternal Care Designation

DETROIT- In a historic first for Henry Ford Health, Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit has earned Level IV Maternal Center certification from The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — the top designation for hospitals caring for high-risk pregnancies.  

The Level IV certification is the most advanced classification offered through the Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program. It signifies that Henry Ford Hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive care for the most complex maternal cases — from critically ill pregnant individuals to those with significant co-morbid conditions or fetal complications. 

Following an intensive two-day, on-site evaluation by the Joint Commission, the Detroit campus stood out for its clinical expertise, multidisciplinary care model, and extensive capabilities. 

“Achieving Level IV certification is a major milestone — not just for our hospital, but for the communities and patients we serve as well,” said Dr. Annmarie Vilkins, director of obstetrics and gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “We want families in Detroit to know they have access to the very highest level of maternal care available, right here in their city.”  

What Level IV Certification Means for Patients: 

According to the Joint Commission, a Level IV maternal care center must meet rigorous criteria, including:  

• Direct care of high-risk patients with complex medical, surgical, or obstetric conditions

• On-site availability of maternal-fetal medicine, critical care, and obstetric anesthesia services 24/7

• Access to subspecialists in cardiology, hematology and other relevant fields

• The ability to initiate and coordinate transport of critically ill patients

• Comprehensive laboratory, imaging, and blood bank services

• Support for neonatal care through integrated, high-level newborn services 

Henry Ford Hospital’s review spanned multiple departments — including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Blood Bank, and Labor & Delivery — and evaluated both clinical practices and infrastructure readiness. 

“This reinforces that we’re a resource for other hospitals, not just as a referral center, but as a partner,” said Lauren Grero, Maternal Quality & Maternal Levels of Care Survey Coordinator at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “Whether it’s through consultations or shared care planning, we’re here to support them in delivering the best care possible.” 

While some states have mandated maternal care verification, Michigan has taken a voluntary approach. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), provided funding and technical support to encourage hospitals to pursue this designation. Henry Ford Health took part in this initiative, further demonstrating its commitment to maternal health equity and excellence. 

“Henry Ford Hospital has been a destination for the highest-quality patient care for more than a century now, and we continue to find ways to elevate the world-class care our patients deserve,” said Dr. Steven Kalkanis, CEO of Henry Ford Hospital. “Our goal is for every parent anticipating the birth of a child who walks through our doors to receive the best treatment in the country.”  

Additional Henry Ford Health hospitals have also undergone successful MLOC verification. Learn more here.  

 

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MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@hfhs.org