The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was passed by Congress to improve “the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system by encouraging the development of a health information system through the establishment of standards and requirements for the electronic transmission of certain health information.”  Almost every aspect of healthcare and patient information is affected by HIPAA requirements.

EMS Management & Consultants is committed to adhere to the provisions mandated by HIPAA.  Additionally, we are committed to protecting patient confidentiality and health information security for our clients and partners.  We understand that security and privacy are essential to our business and customers.  As such, we have monitored developments and discussions related to HIPAA's passage and modification; we have developed policies and procedures to address these issues.

At EMS Management & Consultants, we understand HIPAA's strategic importance.  We have designated a Privacy Officer who reports to senior management and directs the compliance programs, policies and other efforts, including:

• Education programs for all staff
• Partner and vendor contractual compliance
• Software vendor transaction/ code set assessments
• Updating clients regarding HIPAA
• Compliance audits
• Ongoing privacy policy development

EMS Management & Consultants has and will continue to develop, document, implement and maintain the appropriate measures to address HIPAA compliance in each of these areas as they are currently defined and as they evolve.