HOI Earns State Recognition for Excellence in Substance Use Disorder Care

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), one of the nation’s largest providers of orthopedic care, achieved Superior Performance in the 2025 Healthcare Organizations Leading SUD Care Honor Roll Program, recognized by the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and Cal Hospital Compare (CHC) for delivering high-quality care to patients with substance use disorder (SUD). HOI earned top performance honors for the fourth consecutive year.

“This honor reflects the dedication of our entire care team to advancing opioid stewardship and protecting our patients’ well-being,” says Betsy Kovacs, nurse practitioner and co-chair of the Opioid Stewardship program at HOI. “Thank you to everyone who contributes to this important work. Your efforts truly make a difference.”

In recognition of their work in 2024, HOI was one of 133 hospitals who voluntarily reported their progress on their SUD care activities from safe and effective opioid use, identifying and treating patients with SUD, harm reduction strategies, steps to reduce stigma and ways they involve patient and families in the decision-making process.

Established in 2021, HOI’s Opioid Stewardship Committee was formed to identify process gaps and foster a culture of safe opioid prescribing. In addition to advancing pain management strategies, the committee has supported initiatives such as Narcan distribution to enhance community safety and awareness. This recognition reflects the committee’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients at risk for SUD and promoting safer recovery after orthopedic surgery.