HIPAA News

SHPS Receives Full URAC Re-Accreditation for HIPAA Privacy

(May 22, 2008)-- For the third consecutive time, SHPS, an independent provider of health management and benefits administration solutions, was granted full URAC accreditation for HIPAA Privacy. URAC, an independent, non-profit healthcare accrediting organization dedicated to promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification, and commendation, developed the HIPAA Privacy accreditation to recognize best practices in protecting health information privacy in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

“Once again, SHPS has demonstrated its capabilities for meeting the strict URAC quality standards regarding privacy,” said Alan P. Spielman, URAC president and CEO, pointing out that SHPS is also accredited by URAC for health utilization management, case management, disease management, workers’ compensation utilization management, health call center, and consumer education and support standards. “SHPS’ commitment to safeguarding protected health information is highly commendable and serves as a model for the healthcare industry.”

In awarding SHPS full HIPAA Privacy accreditation, URAC reviewed multiple practices in SHPS’ compliance processes, including but not limited to:

* A HIPAA compliance program with comprehensive policies, procedures, and training;
* An annual compliance training program monitored and tracked by the compliance team; and
* The company’s dedication to supporting confidentiality of participant information through policies, processes, and a secure room for medical records.

“Ensuring participant privacy and protecting sensitive health information is a priority for SHPS. It is ingrained in the design and delivery of our person-centric health management solutions,” said Paul Berger, M.D., SHPS’ chief medical officer. “Over the years, our clients and business partners have relied upon SHPS to safeguard participant data. Our re-accreditation with URAC, an acknowledged national leader in healthcare accreditation, validates their confidence in SHPS.”

The URAC accreditation process demonstrates a commitment to quality services and serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards. Accreditation also requires compliance with URAC’s core standards for key functions such as organizational structure, staff qualifications, training and management, regulatory compliance, quality management, and consumer protection.

“SHPS works diligently to earn the trust and loyalty of its clients and participants, and URAC accreditation documents that we’re keeping our promises,” added Lyn McMullen, RN, MSN, CCM, SHPS practice lead, healthcare organizational quality and compliance. “Privacy accreditation is a strong indicator to current and prospective clients that our compliance initiatives are on track.”

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