Compliance
Given the regulated, litigious environment in which we operate, confidentiality
is a company priority. We continually review procedures to ensure compliance with our industry regulations
[the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA)], and more recently, our clients regulations (Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This section details aggressive efforts to ensure compliance.
HIPAA
All procedures were reviewed in light of Protected Health
Information (PHI). For your convenience, listed below, and in the pages that follow, is a summary of our
protective efforts.
·
Policies and procedures that address the handling, use, disclosure
and control of patients’ protected health information have been written. These procedures address:
Confidentiality
statements Improper disclosure of PHI
Disclosure of PHI
Accounting for PHI disclosure
Computer security
Protecting downloads
Employee termination Sub-contractors
Facsimile usage
Destruction of PHI
E-Mail usage
Compliant/Grievance channels
· On-going
employee awareness programs are in place to educate the work force on written HIPAA policies and procedures.
·
HIPAA compliant sub-contractor (business associate) agreements
are drafted.
·
Complaint and grievance procedures that are available to patients
are written and understood by employees.
· We continue to participate in seminars, conferences, and meetings with various trade associations.
FDCPA
Internal
guidance is provided via an FDCPA sign-off program. This program encompasses reading material sponsored
through the American Collectors Association. In addition, training programs allow for the observance of
experienced collectors, telephone monitoring technology, and throughout employment, very close supervision located within
each collection area.