Roper Rehabilitation Hospital secures international CARF re-accreditation

Roper Rehabilitation Hospital and Roper Hospital’s Outpatient Therapy Program have once again earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation care.

The international re-accreditation spans multiple inpatient and outpatient specialty programs, including stroke, spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation.

First accredited in 2007, Roper Rehabilitation Hospital remains the only inpatient rehabilitation hospital in South Carolina with this specific combination of CARF-accredited programs. It is also the only facility in the state accredited in both inpatient and outpatient brain injury specialty programs, and one of only two hospitals accredited in both inpatient and outpatient stroke and spinal cord injury programs.

“CARF accreditation reflects the deep compassion and tireless dedication our teammates show patients and one another,” said Jamy Bridges, Director of Roper Rehabilitation Hospital. “We are proud to walk alongside patients and families on their recovery journey and to help restore independence, dignity and hope through our specialized inpatient and outpatient therapy programs.”

During the survey process, CARF reviewers evaluated more than 2,000 standards across leadership, safety, clinical quality and patient experience. Surveyors highlighted the hospital’s strong interdisciplinary teamwork, visible leadership presence and personalized approach to rehabilitation.

Reviewers specifically noted the active role of nursing leadership in daily patient rounding, describing it as a strength that supports patient satisfaction and fosters open, real-time communication between patients, families and care teams. Patients shared appreciation for accessibility and responsiveness of nursing leaders, which reflects the program’s culture of accountability and patient-centered care. In 2025, Roper Rehabilitation Hospital achieved an 89th percentile rank in patient experience, as measured by Press Ganey.

CARF also recognized the rehabilitation team’s consistent use of high-intensity, evidence-based interventions. Patients and families validated this approach during interviews, noting that while therapy was challenging, it was purposeful and goal-directed.

Surveyors highlighted the Center for Spinal Cord Injury clinic, held twice monthly, as a model of multidisciplinary, ongoing care. The clinic brings together a specialized care team to address the complex, long-term medical, functional and psychosocial needs of patients with spinal cord injuries. This structured follow-up allows former patients to be monitored over time, supports early identification of potential complications, and reinforces education and self-management strategies after discharge.

Former patients shared that although returning home brought new challenges, they felt well prepared with the right equipment, follow-up care and community resources. Families also highlighted the program’s welcoming, family-friendly environment and the confidence they gained through education and support.

Beyond clinical care, CARF surveyors praised Roper Rehabilitation Hospital’s deep connection to the community it serves. Teammates and leaders actively participate in and support events such as the Cooper River Bridge Run Wheelchair Division, Brain Injury Awareness Month initiatives and the Veterans Affairs Caregiver Summit, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to inclusion, adaptive sports and community reintegration.

Support from the Roper St. Francis Foundation further strengthens that connection. A recent donation of a deluxe wheelchair-accessible van has expanded recreation therapy opportunities, allowing patients and families to practice meaningful community activities that align with their functional and leisure goals.

Roper Rehabilitation Hospital continues to be recognized as a leader in rehabilitation care in South Carolina, providing specialized services that help patients recover from complex injuries and neurological conditions — and return to their lives — close to home.