Auburn University Selects Conflict of Interest Management System

HCCS COI-SMART System Streamlines Disclosure Process to Meet NIH Regulations

JERICHO, N.Y., Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Care Compliance Strategies, Inc. (HCCS) announced today that Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama has selected the HCCS COI-SMART system to automate the conflict of interest disclosure process. The COI-SMART system will assist Auburn University in complying with new National Institute of Health (NIH) conflict of interest regulations.

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"We sought out an easy to use system that would provide us with the technology needed to automate our entire conflict of interest disclosure process, from the questionnaire and disclosures to the communications and reporting," says Martha Taylor, Assistant Vice President for Research of Auburn University. "One of the key points for us was the ability to meet the requirements for PHS grants and contracts."

COI-SMART provides full back-end management and reporting to eliminate paper-based conflict of interest disclosure management. Universities and other organizations see improved control and reduced risk. The system provides for the development of multi-level branching questionnaires, automated assignment of reviewers, the development of COI management plans, and data mining tools for auditing, tracking and reporting on potential conflicts of interest.

COI-SMART can be used for an annual COI survey process as well as for transactional or "elective" questionnaires. The system includes role-based tiered questions that allow respondents to provide detailed responses. Administrative dashboards provide a graphical representation of COI disclosure statuses.

"We're excited to bring COI-SMART to Auburn University," says Ben Diamond, President of HCCS. "COI-SMART will act as the platform for an improved conflict of interest disclosure process that not only meets the new NIH regulations, but also facilitates the review process for internal staff by maintaining all communications in one place."

COI-SMART offers a Quick-Start Option to facilitate compliance for PHS funded research with the new NIH COI regulations.

About Auburn University

Auburn University has developed into one of the largest universities in the South, remaining in the educational forefront with its traditional blend of arts and applied science, and changing with the needs of today while living with a respect for the traditions and spirit that are Auburn. Auburn scientists, engineers and researchers turn their innovation and creativity into practical workable solutions to the problems our nation confronts.

About Health Care Compliance Strategies, Inc. (HCCS)

HCCS is a leading provider of compliance training and tracking solutions. HCCS has provided over 7 million hours of compliance and competency online training courses to Universities, research organizations, teaching facilities, hospitals, medical schools, health plans and other health care entities. HCCS provides expert training courses in Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, Harassment, Research, Patient Safety and more. COI-SMART is a solution for tracking and managing Conflicts of Interest.

For more information about COI-SMART, contact HCCS at (877) 933-4227, by email at [email protected], or via the web at www.coismart.com or www.hccs.com.

SOURCE Health Care Compliance Strategies, Inc.