The Bereavement Ready™ Recognition Pathway provides a tiered, evidence-informed structure that allows healthcare institutions to assess current capacity, implement the framework at their own pace, and achieve formal designation at each stage of readiness.
Each tier builds on the previous. Institutions begin with an honest assessment of current capacity and progress through the pathway at a pace that integrates with existing quality and education structures.
For institutions establishing the infrastructure of readiness. The foundational tier focuses on core policy, education, and champion development.
For institutions with foundational infrastructure in place, now building toward system-level integration, quality measurement, and maternal mental health alignment.
For institutions demonstrating sustained system-level excellence, contributing to the field, and serving as implementation resources for other hospitals.
Submit interest via the site or by direct outreach. An initial conversation is scheduled to understand your institution's current state and goals.
Complete the structured assessment across all nine domains. Identifies current strengths, gaps, and the most productive starting points for implementation.
Receive a customized implementation roadmap. Define your bereavement champion structure, team, and integration with existing quality infrastructure.
Work through the framework with consultation support. Access education modules, policy templates, and ongoing check-ins throughout the process.
Submit documentation for designation review. Upon meeting criteria, receive formal Bereavement Ready™ recognition and designation materials.
Each domain addresses a distinct dimension of institutional readiness. The tags below indicate at which tier each domain becomes a formal assessment and designation criterion.
Individualized, dignified support centering the family's choices, values, and pace. Includes documentation of family preferences, responsive communication, and accommodation of cultural and spiritual practices.
Access to memory-making opportunities, keepsake creation, and adequate time for families to be present with their infant. Includes availability of relevant resources and trained staff support.
Defined training standards, role-specific competency validation, and ongoing education requirements across nursing, medicine, social work, and chaplaincy. Includes structured new hire orientation components.
Clear, consistent, and compassionate communication protocols covering initial diagnosis communication, interdisciplinary handoffs, family updates, and discharge conversations. Includes language guides and staff training.
Formalized institutional policies embedding bereavement care into operational infrastructure. Includes governance approval, annual review processes, and alignment with existing patient experience and quality frameworks.
Structured collaboration across nursing, medicine, social work, chaplaincy, and patient experience. Includes defined team roles, communication protocols, and interdisciplinary debrief processes following loss events.
Defined post-discharge follow-up protocols, referral pathways, and ongoing family connection beyond the hospital stay. Includes documentation of outreach attempts and referral completion tracking.
Physical space readiness, including private room availability, environmental elements supporting dignified care, appropriate equipment and resource availability, and physical environment assessment documentation.
Embedded screening, referral, and support pathways for maternal grief, PTSD, and subsequent pregnancy anxiety. Includes provider training on recognition, warm handoff protocols, and community referral documentation.
The first step is a conversation. Tell us about your institution and what you are hoping to build toward. We will respond within 3 to 5 business days.
All inquiries are confidential. Response within 3 to 5 business days.