PRISON HEALTH SERVICES EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDIATION IN CREDENTIALING
Brentwood, Tenn., March 19, 2007 – Prison Health Services announced today it has been awarded Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. The accreditation applies to the PHS medical professionals credentialing process, led by John E. Barnett, M.D., a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist.
“PHS is one of only 12 organizations nationwide that have earned this recognition,” said Dr. Barnett. “We are proud to be honored as a member of this prestigious group. PHS is the only private correctional healthcare company that has earned this designation, so it’s especially meaningful to all of us.”
Alan P. Spielman, URAC President and CEO, said, “By applying for and receiving Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation, Prison Health Services has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care. It is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against such national standards.”
The URAC Health Provider Credentialing standards were established to ensure that physicians and other providers participating in health care networks have the appropriate credentials, qualifications and licensure. URAC Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation ensures that a network has verified the education, training, liability record, and practice history of its providers. This accreditation assures PHS clients that the medical professionals providing care to their inmates meet the stringent standards set by URAC.
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, was originally incorporated under the name "Utilization Review Accreditation Commission." However, that name was shortened to just the acronym "URAC" in 1996 when URAC began accrediting other types of organizations such as health plans and preferred provider organizations.
URAC 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.
As of February 2007, PHS served jail and prison sites across the country, providing quality health care services to approximately 176,000 inmates in 36 states. Its parent company, America Service Group, Inc., is a leading provider of correctional health care services in the United States. America Service Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a wide range of healthcare and pharmacy programs to government agencies for the medical care of inmates. For more information, visit www.prisonhealth.com.
