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Understand what telehealth accreditation is, including the benefits, potential costs, and how to obtain this credential.
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What is telehealth accreditation?
The telehealth accreditation process involves a complete review of a telehealth program by an independent, non-profit organization. These organizations are accrediting bodies that survey programs to ensure they meet established standards for quality of care, patient safety, and effectiveness. Some accreditations are specific for telehealth-only programs, while other accreditations are broader and may include a telehealth component.
Accreditors rely on advisory panels and experts who help develop standards and update them as needed. They use these standards to examine an organization’s policies, procedures, and documents as they relate to the delivery of virtual care.
Health care organizations or providers with an accredited telehealth program have demonstrated competence in many areas, such as:
- Clinical processes and protocols. Clear documentation of telehealth services, including visits, consults, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
- Technology infrastructure and privacy and security measures. Processes and forms to consistently check equipment, such as devices used for telehealth services and security procedures for protecting patients’ health data.
- Credentialing and privileging for providers. Staff is qualified with appropriate degrees and licenses to deliver telehealth services.
- Quality assurance and performance improvement. Benchmarks for improving virtual care are continually measured and reported on.
- Compliance with federal and state laws. Follow all laws, regulations, and industry guidelines related to telehealth practice.
- Education and engagement. Offer resources and training to providers, staff, and patients on virtual care processes.
Laws and regulations governing telehealth continue to change as do industry best practices. As a result, accreditors regularly review their standards and guidelines to stay current.
Did you know?
There are telehealth certification programs that focus solely on telebehavioral health and other specialties.
What benefits and costs are involved?
A wide range of health care organizations and providers deliver virtual care services. They can all benefit from telehealth accreditation. The accreditation credential signals a high-performing telehealth program. It shows that an organization has met recognized standards in the delivery of telehealth and is committed to maintaining and improving virtual care services.
This commitment does involve costs and requires institutional resources. These costs and resources may include:
- Application fees and time. Accrediting bodies charge fees for the application. It also takes time for staff to review the application, expected standards, and requirements.
- Dedicated staff and technology infrastructure. Preparing for accreditation will take staff time. Additionally, implementing the required industry standards requires effort and oversight. Staff may need to update policies and procedures. Technology equipment may need to be improved or updated.
- Maintaining accreditation. After an organization achieves accreditation, there may be ongoing costs. Staff may need to continuously monitor, generate reports, and update documentation even after accreditation is granted. It is important to ensure compliance with changing regulations and industry best practices.
Costs may vary depending on the size of the telehealth program and the types of improvements needed in order to meet the accreditation standards.
How is telehealth accreditation obtained?
Telehealth programs follow a structured process to obtain telehealth accreditation. The process generally begins with submission of an application to the selected accreditor. This initial step is often followed by a self-assessment, survey by the accreditor, and opportunity to address survey findings. If the applicant is successful, then accreditation is granted.
The application process requires basic information about the telehealth program, such as its services, staffing, and technology infrastructure. Applicants typically complete questionnaires, submit related documents, and pay an application fee.
Next, the health care organization or provider should conduct a thorough self-assessment of their telehealth program. This assessment helps identify areas for improvement and can help you check if you are ready for a survey from the telehealth accrediting body. Self-assessment may include a review of the following areas:
- Business continuity plan for telehealth services. A plan should be in place to minimize patient impact in an emergency.
- Systems risk assessment. Check to confirm the data collection, storage, and transfer of patient health data is secure.
- Communications systems. Test the quality of the connection between originating and distance sites. Assess whether the telehealth program has adequate bandwidth, effective equipment, and appropriate assistive devices to ensure communications between providers and patients.
- Credentialing documentation. Review credentialing files of providers, including degrees and training.
- Staffing. Ensure you have clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for overseeing the telehealth program. Determine if you have optimal staffing capacity for efficient delivery of telehealth services.
- Technology proficiency training plans. Ensure all telehealth providers and their staff receive regular training. Have knowledge checks in place to test if they are current on telehealth policies and procedures.
- Patient consent. Make sure you have a documented process for capturing patient consent.
- Documentation. Review documentation for telehealth visits, including diagnoses, procedures, and treatment to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Quality improvement. Track performance indicators including those related to operations, clinical care, and patient and provider satisfaction to continuously monitor the delivery of quality telehealth services.
After the self-assessment is completed, the accreditor will schedule a survey. The survey is a rigorous process that may include:
Reviewing telehealth related documents, such as policies, procedures, quality assurance reports, and clinical protocols.
Interviewing providers, staff, and other stakeholders regarding performance and satisfaction with virtual care services.
Observing processes related to the delivery of telehealth.
The survey may identify gaps and areas for improvement. The telehealth program will need to demonstrate how it will address any deficiencies by developing and implementing an action plan. Action plans need to include activities that resolve issues of concern within a designated timeframe. If all issues are addressed, the applicant will receive recognition as an accredited telehealth organization.
Accreditation is valid for a specified time, such as two or three years. Telehealth programs must continue to be compliant with accreditation standards. You may need to participate in ongoing monitoring or perform other requirements during this time.
To keep the accreditation credential, a telehealth program will need to undergo re-accreditation. This process will need to be completed before the initial accreditation expires.
More information
Getting started with telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
Planning your telehealth workflow — Health Resources and Services Administration
Preparing patients for telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration