Shared Health Receives URAC HIPAA Security & Privacy Covered Entity Accreditations
Shared Health, Inc. – a leader in the health information technology industry (HIT) – has been awarded the HIPAA Security and Privacy Covered Entity accreditations from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.
With a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of ongoing risk management, URAC's HIPAA Security Accreditation program enables health care organizations to validate their security compliance program to safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the HIPAA Security Rule. URAC's HIPAA Privacy Accreditation program enables health care organizations to display a commitment to fair information practices, and demonstrate that they have taken the necessary steps to protect health information privacy in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
"We are thrilled to achieve this high level in health care information security and privacy," said Jana Skewes, chief executive officer of Shared Health. "The URAC accreditations highlight our commitment to delivering the most secure, best privacy protection practices in our industry through innovative health information technology solutions at the point of care, which is the perfect prescription for better health nationwide."
In order to attain the HIPAA Security Accreditation, Shared Health demonstrated the highest standards in health information technology (HIT), including implementation of a comprehensive security compliance plan, rigorous management policies and procedures, administrative, physical and technical safeguards and special requirements for group health plans. It also met stringent standards for privacy protection, including implementation of a privacy compliance plan, strict policies and procedures, workforce training, disclosures, complaints and special requirements for health plans, group health plans, hybrid entities, health care providers, affiliated covered entities and organized health care arrangements.
"By applying for and receiving the HIPAA Security and Privacy Covered Entity accreditations, Shared Health has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC president and CEO. "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting meaningful standards for the health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.
About Shared Health
Shared Health was launched in 2004 with the mission to transform health care by offering secure, innovative health information technology (HIT) solutions. With the records of nearly 4 million patients in its HIE, Shared Health's web-based applications securely share and connect medical information across a patient's network of clinicians, including 4,200 physicians in Tennessee. Shared Health strives to be the clinician's trusted partner for sharing relevant patient information at the point of care, enabling both health care professionals and consumers to improve outcomes. For more information, visit www.sharedhealth.com.
SOURCE: Shared Health, Inc.