URAC Core 18 -- v. 2.1 Proposed Revision

As is the case with the other three delegation standards (Core 15-17), URAC proposes no substantive changes to Core 18, Delegation Oversight.  The new standard would read:

The organization establishes and implements an oversight mechanism for delegated functions within the scope of accreditation that includes: (--)
(a) A periodic review (no less than annually) of the contractor’s policies and procedures and documentation of quality activities for related delegated functions; (Wt = 3)
(b) A process to verify (no less than annually) the contractor’s compliance with contractual requirements and policies and procedures; and (Wt = 3)
(c) A mechanism to monitor financial incentives to ensure that quality of care or service is not compromised. (Wt = M)

What is significant about the scoring change is that (c) becomes a mandatory standard.  URAC has attached the "M" designation to a host of new elements that deal with consumer protection, and this is an example of that.  The import of this change is that those staff members charged with delegation oversight now will need to pay particular attention to documenting the method by which they assure that those contractors that have financial incentives in their compensation structures do not compromise quality of care.