Keck Medicine Hospitals Achieve ‘A’ Safety Grade from Leapfrog Group

Two hospitals under the umbrella of Keck Medicine of USC have received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Fall 2025, marking a significant achievement in patient safety. Keck Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH) are recognized for their commitment to maintaining high safety standards in healthcare.

This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time that the health system has achieved two “A” grades simultaneously. Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine, highlighted the importance of this recognition, stating, “The Leapfrog Group grades hospitals on a set of very rigorous standards and this grade puts our hospitals among the safest in the country.”

Keck Hospital is a 343-bed acute care facility known for its specialized services, while USC-VHH, a 140-bed community hospital, serves patients in Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, and surrounding areas in Southern California. This latest achievement marks the 11th “A” grade for Keck Hospital since 2019, which underscores its consistent dedication to patient safety.

Stephanie Hall, MD, chief medical officer of the Keck Medical Center of USC, expressed pride in the latest accolade. “Every year, the Leapfrog grading criteria become more rigorous, and it is a tremendous honor for Keck Hospital to once again receive the highest safety grade possible,” she stated. Hall emphasized the hospital’s commitment to upholding top safety protocols and procedures to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care.

USC-VHH has also improved its standing, earning its second “A” grade in recent years. Armand Dorian, MD, MMM, CEO of USC-VHH, remarked, “We are proud that our hard work maximizing safety standards has resulted in another grade ‘A.’ This grade recognizes the commitment shared by every care provider at the hospital to put patient safety first.”

The Leapfrog Group’s grading system evaluates hospitals across the United States based on various measures that reflect their overall performance in preventing patient harm. The system is peer-reviewed, transparent, and accessible to the public, with grades updated biannually, in the fall and spring.

For more detailed information about the grades and hospital safety tips, individuals are encouraged to visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

In addition to the Leapfrog recognition, Keck Medicine has received multiple national quality honors in recent years, including being named a top performer for 2025 by Vizient, Inc.. This accolade places Keck Hospital among the top 12 hospitals in the country for excellence in delivering high-quality care.

Marty Sargeant, MBA, CEO of Keck Medical Center, noted that the Leapfrog grade “A” award reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of care. He praised the efforts of faculty and staff who work tirelessly to exemplify excellence in healthcare delivery.

These achievements highlight Keck Medicine’s dedication to patient safety and quality care, reinforcing its position as a leader in the healthcare sector.