<0> Dodge CommunicationsJennifer Jennings, 770-576-2556orEHNACDebra Hopkinson, 860-408-1620 </0>
The (EHNAC), a non-profit standards development organization and accrediting body, has posted updated versions of program criteria on its website for general public review. Revisions to existing programs include new and revised accreditation criteria addressing the new Omnibus Rule, as well as cloud computing specifications. Also included are three new Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Programs (DTAAP).
EHNAC invites interested parties to provide opinions, comments and suggestions on the necessity, appropriateness and workability of the latest criteria versions.
The open comment period on criteria proposed for adoption will last 60 days, commencing on May 29, 2013, and ending on July 29, 2013. The 12 existing and three new programs affected include:
1. – e-Prescribing Accreditation Program
2. – Electronic Prescription of Controlled Substances Certification Program – Pharmacy Vendor
3. – Electronic Prescription of Controlled Substances Certification Program – Prescribing Vendor
4. – Financial Services Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks
5. – Financial Services Accreditation Program for Lockbox Services
6. – Health Information Exchange Accreditation Program
7. – Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks [Includes Payer]
8. – Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Medical Billers
9. – Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Third Party Administrators
10. – Management Service Organization Accreditation Program
11. – Outsourced Services Accreditation Program
12. – Outsourced Services Accreditation Program for Health Information Exchange Services
13. – Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program for Health Information Service Providers
14. – Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program for Certificate Authorities
15. – Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program for Registration Authorities
“The latest criteria versions of EHNAC’s programshave been revised in coordination with emerging industry initiatives such as the Omnibus Rule and cloud computing specifications to offer the best reflection of industry standards for health data exchange,” says Mark Gingrich, commissioner and criteria committee chair of EHNAC. “We’re actively involved with the ongoing changes and the ways in which our programs can be modified accordingly. We encourage interested parties to review the published criteria and provide feedback for our committee and stakeholders to consider and implement as necessary.”
EHNAC accreditation recognizes excellence in health data processing and transactions, and confirms compliance with industry-established standards and HIPAA regulations. Visit for more details or to review the .
The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) is a voluntary, self-governing standards development organization (SDO) established to develop standard criteria and accredit organizations that electronically exchange healthcare data. These entities include electronic health networks, payers, financial services firms, health information exchanges, medical billers, outsourced services and e-prescribing solution providers.
EHNAC was founded in 1993 and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Guided by peer evaluation, the EHNAC accreditation process promotes quality service, innovation, cooperation and open competition in healthcare. To learn more, visit or contact . Connect with EHNAC on , and .