EHNAC adopts new criteria for accreditation

The non-profit Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) has adopted new program criteria for 2011 for the following programs:

• ePAP - e-Prescribing Accreditation Program (Version 6.2);

• FSAP EHN - Financial Services Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks (Version 2.2);

• FSAP Lockbox - Financial Services Accreditation Program for Lockbox Services (Version 2.2);

• HNAP-70 - Healthcare Network Accreditation Plus Select SAS 70 Criteria Program (Version 1.2);

• HNAP EHN - Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks (Version 10.2);

• HNAP Medical Biller - Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Medical Billers (Version 1.1);

• HNAP TPA - Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for TPAs (Version 1.1);

• MSOAP - Management Service Organization Accreditation Program (Version 1.0); and

• OSAP - Outsourced Services Accreditation Program (Version 1.1).

In October, EHNAC also announced the release of its Health Information Exchange Accreditation Program (HIEAP Version 1.0).

“This is a time of foundational change within the healthcare industry and related markets,” says Mark Gingrich, commissioner and criteria committee chairman of EHNAC. “Presenting accreditation programs that effectively evaluate the achievement of organizations involved in health data processing is a constantly evolving process in which EHNAC and its stakeholders continue to place an exceptional focus.”

EHNAC accreditation recognizes excellence in health data processing and transactions and confirms compliance with industry-established standards plus Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act regulations. Organizations that apply for accreditation or re-accreditation must adhere to the enhanced criteria standards.