ClearHealth Quality Institute (CHQI) Begins Standards Development for Telemedicine Outcomes and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Accreditation Modules

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Sept. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearHealth Quality Institute^TM (CHQI), an independent health care accrediting body, unveiled today details regarding two new telemedicine accreditation modules that cover Telemedicine Outcomes and Remote Patient Monitoring.

After receiving approval to proceed from CHQI's Advisory Board in August, the volunteer-based Telemedicine Standards Committee  has begun to meet regularly to develop new standards for each module.  When introduced, the modules will be a part of CHQI's Telemedicine Accreditation Program, the only telemedicine accreditation program recognized by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). 

The public policy goal associated with the new Telemedicine Outcomes Module is to build upon the recommendations made by the National Quality Forum Report, Creating a Framework to Support Measure Development for Telehealth (August 2017). 

Jason Goldwater, MA, MPA, PMP, Senior Director at the CedarBridge Group, notes, "This important initiative will provide a third-party assessment tool to help telemedicine and telehealth organizations measureme the four domains identified in the NQF report: 1)  access to care; 2) cost effectiveness; 3) experience; and 4) effectiveness."  Mr. Goldwater formerly served as the National Quality Forum's Senior Director and led the development of the NQF Telehealth Measure Framework report, and now serves on CHQI's Telemedicine Standards Committee.   

The Telemedicine Standards Committee has also begun developing the scope of the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Module. 

"The importance of RPM interventions has expanded dramatically in recent years," notes Rene Quashie, JD, Vice President, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Digital Health, Consumer Technology Association and member of CHQI's Telemedicine Standards Committee.  "Digital health solutions, including telemedicine and RPM, represent important ways to improve clinical outcomes and value.  Developing accreditation standards in these areas is a critical step in protecting patients."

"The CHQI Telemedicine Standards Committee was re-appointed this summer with several new volunteers in preparation for these initiatives," states Alexis Gilroy, JD, Partner, Jones Day and Chair, CHQI Telemedicine Standards Committee.  "The Committee, made up of a wide range of stakeholders, will help draft and vet the new modules, helping CHQI continue to develop national accreditation measures for assessing the quality and safety of telemedicine programs and services."

The three other modules currently offered under the CHQI Telemedicine Accreditation Program each cover a specific telemedicine delivery model: Consumer-to-Provider (C2P), Provider-to Consumer (P2C), and Provider-to-Provider (P2P).  

Garry Carneal, JD, MA, CHQI Founder adds, "CHQI is committed to building a best-in-class ecosystem of telemedicine/telehealth standards to promote evidence-based virtual care, which in turn will increase the likelihood of being reimbursed for such services. Adding additional modules for outcomes and RPM interventions is a logical next step." 

In June, CHQI released its Mental Health Parity Accreditation Program draft standards for public comment.  The standards establish the nation's first set of accreditation standards outlining a logical sequence of steps for health plans, health insurers, and health benefits administrators to assess compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The public comment period ended in late August and CHQI is currently reviewing and incorporating the feedback received.  CHQI plans to launch the Parity Accreditation Program this fall. 

To learn more about CHQI, contact (410) 756-1300, [email protected], or visit www.CHQI.com.

About ClearHealth Quality Institute™ (CHQI)

ClearHealth Quality Institute's (CHQI) mission is to promote quality-based practices for health plans, providers and other stakeholders across the United States and its territories. Our accreditation and certification programs help assess, track and report on trends to enhance key insurance and provider outcomes. CHQI also offers educational programs, publishes issue briefs and underwrites research to raise awareness of patient safety issues and promote best practices. The organization is governed by an independent board and committee system, which is open to a wide range of volunteer members to ensure transparency and accountability. CHQI provides resources to serve patients, providers, payers, government agencies, and other stakeholder groups. To learn more about CHQI, contact (410) 756-1300, [email protected], or visit www.CHQI.com.

SOURCE ClearHealth Quality Institute