URAC Core 17(b) -- NEW INTERPRETATION

Reversing a long-standing interpretation of Core 17(b), URAC now requires contracts of delegation to mention URAC by name.

The standard reads:

The organization enters into written agreements with contractors that . . . (b) Require that services be performed in accordance with the organization’s requirements and URAC standards. . ..

While the standard's content has not changed, the interpretation has.   Version 2.0 of the Core standards contain the following language in the "Points to Remember": "the written agreement might require sub-contractor compliance with “national accrediting standards that the organization is required to meet.” While that note, on its face, applies to the subdelegation provisions of (g) and (h), it has, for several years, been applied to the primary delegation requirement of (b).  So, this is new.

The subsection is a secondary element of a mandatory standard, so while, under the current scoring system, missing this will cost a URAC applicant points, it will not, by itself, force the applicant into a conditional accreditation status.

HOWEVER . . ., this subsection is proposed as a primary element in the new v. 2.1 standards, so future applicants should expect to get this right or face a conditional accreditation.

It's time to send out those delegation agreement amendments, folks!