Viera Hospital has joined the Forbes 2026 Top Hospitals by State list with a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating, making it one of only 10 hospitals in Florida and the only one in Brevard County to earn the top rating. The hospital also appeared on Forbes’ national Top Hospitals in America list in March. Rankings are based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider Data Catalog, evaluating hospitals on patient outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience. Viera Hospital President MaryJo Allen called the achievement a "true testament to the level of dedication and commitment every Viera Hospital physician, nurse, associate and volunteer strives to deliver every day." The hospital’s recognition comes as it prepares for expansion plans over the next two years. "This recognition reflects the exceptional work happening every day across Viera Hospital," said Dr. Jennifer Howes, Viera Hospital Chief Medical Officer. Forbes’ state rankings debuted this year, with hospitals earning ratings from one to five stars based on publicly available data. Viera Hospital’s national recognition in March helped it qualify for the inaugural state rankings. The hospital’s 5-star rating places it among the top 10 hospitals in Florida out of more than 370 evaluated. The rankings were published in late July and highlight institutions delivering "outstanding quality," according to Forbes. Viera Hospital’s performance in patient outcomes and best practices contributed to its high rating. The hospital’s expansion plans, announced alongside the recognition, include unspecified projects set to begin in the next two years. The Forbes list does not rank hospitals within states but instead identifies top-performing institutions based on criteria including mortality rates, readmission rates and patient satisfaction scores. Viera Hospital’s inclusion in both the national and state lists underscores its standing in the healthcare sector. The hospital’s five-star rating is the highest possible under the evaluation system.