The Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) has approved the HIPAA Privacy Accreditation Covered Entity and Business Associate programs for Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield. Each Mountain State office will receive a URAC Accreditation Certificate suitable for display. Mountain State Corporate Communications will coordinate announcing this accomplishment to our customers and other parties. The dates of accreditation are from December 1, 2004 through December 1, 2006.

Achieving privacy accreditation reflects the commitment of Mountain State to protect the privacy and confidentiality of member information as well as to support member privacy rights. It was a company wide effort to develop and implement the privacy procedures. All employees are to be congratulated for this milestone in company achievement.

URAC is a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. "By applying for and receiving HIPAA Privacy Accreditation Covered Entity and Business Associate, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Garry Carneal, URAC president and CEO. "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, 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.