A new Web site offers information on a HIPAA privacy rule certification program for business associates. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the National Committee for Quality Assurance recently created the certification program to give business associates independent verification that they are complying with the privacy rule in good faith.
The Web site, www.privacycertification.org, includes information about the program, its standards and the evaluation process. It also includes related publications, a list of certified organizations, frequently asked questions, and guidelines to completing a successful survey.

Any organization that handles protected health information on behalf of a covered entity under the privacy rule is eligible for the certification program.

Posted to HIPAAcomply 6/3/04