URAC has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the programs of ClearHealth Quality Institute (CHQI), which is a health care accreditation organization based in Annapolis, MD.

URAC's President and CEO Shawn Griffin, MD said that this is the union of two of the country’s leading accrediting bodies. The combination of expertise between the two will allow for an unprecedented depth and breadth of accreditation knowledge that will serve to improve health outcomes across an even broader spectrum

Three of CHQI's innovative accreditation programs will now exist within URAC.

It is the nation's leading, independent, third-party accreditation organization: telehealth, mental health and substance use disorder parity, and remote patient monitoring. 

Griffin also mentioned that for 30 years, URAC has been committed to promoting national best practices that advance high-quality care for patients.

The acquisition of CHQI's programs expands URAC's portfolio of accreditation programs to cater to two areas that are extremely vital to the future of America's delivery system: the use of technology and access to behavioral health services.

Telehealth services can help to improve the present provider shortages experienced in both rural and urban environments; payers and employers can use telehealth provider accreditation to supply assurance for quality, safety, and privacy. All of which are necessary for a successful telehealth program. 

By recognizing that access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment is just as important as medical treatment, parity promotes access to needed behavioral health care. 

URAC's parity compliance guide, compliance software tool and accreditation will ease confusion, validate the activity of insurers and serve as a roadmap for health plan compliance. Thus, URAC's parity program furthers the importance of behavioral health in whole-person care.

CHQI's Telemedicine Accreditation Program and Mental Health Parity/Substance Use Disorder Accreditation Program collectively accredit the nation's leading health plans, health systems, and telemedicine organizations.