Alameda, California - Associated Third Party Administrators (ATPA) announced today that it has been awarded HIPAA Privacy Business Associate Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. URAC's HIPAA Privacy Business Associate Accreditation standards provide assurance to health plans and their participants, employers, vendors and regulators that the practices of the organization performing these services meet URAC's exacting standards and, therefore, provide quality operations for all parties.

"Receiving full 3-year HIPAA Privacy Business Associate accreditation by URAC, provides assurance to our clients that ATPA fully supports and is engaged in following HIPAA Privacy Business Associate best practices," said Rick Stierwalt, ATPA President, CEO and Chairman. "We feel our clients benefit from utilizing Sue Padgett, ATPA's Chief Privacy Officer, who is one of the best facilitators of privacy oversight in the Taft-Hartley industry."

URAC's HIPAA Privacy accreditation program outlines a framework of best practices that describe the operational policies and procedures necessary for an effective compliance program, and is designed to accredit many different types of health care organizations including both Covered Entities and Business Associates.

"By applying for and receiving URAC's HIPAA Privacy Business Associate Accreditation, ATPA 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."

To earn URAC HIPAA Privacy Business Associate Accreditation, companies must satisfy 13 rigorous standards within these categories: Privacy Compliance Plan, Maintenance of Policies and Procedures, Business Associate Relationship and Special Requirements for Business Associates.

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.

For more information contact Sue Padgett, Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer or visit www.atpa.com.

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