Overview

Often, hospitals question an outsource company’s credentials, its ability to follow JCAHO guidelines and its compliance to HIPAA rules and regulations.  The following list includes items of interest concerning these topics as they relate to Sentient Medical Systems and its client institutions. 

 

HIPAA

HIPAA Compliance Statement for SMS

HIPAA, short for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, mandates standards to protect and secure a patient's private health information. 

At Sentient, we strive to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the patient information we handle.  Further, Sentient views the phrase “HIPAA compliance” as an opportunity to build confidence in securing the privacy of personal health information for current and potential clients.

Sentient promotes an enhanced information technology infrastructure so that unauthorized users cannot access private patient data.  Additionally, our compliance program features ongoing process improvement and monitoring.  In the end, it helps make Sentient more efficient and better able to better serve the needs of its customers.

To achieve and maintain HIPAA compliance, Sentient will:

  • use confidential patient health information only as necessary to perform billing, customer service, and support functions;
  • limit access to patient information to only those employees who perform identified service and support functions;
  • prohibit disclosure of patient health information to people unrelated to Sentient unless expressly approved by legal council and/or the patient, if appropriate;
  • require all employees and agents of the company to report uses and disclosures of patient information that are not permitted by Sentient policy;
  • investigate all reports that patient health information was used in a manner not permitted by policy and impose appropriate sanctions for prohibited conduct;
  • emphasize the importance of protecting the privacy and security of patient health information and support ongoing educational efforts across the Sentient community;
  • provide for the secure storage and transmission of patient health information received from customers that protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the information;
  • protect records and patient files by keeping cabinets locked that contain healthcare information, and use computer passwords and firewalls to protect electronic data.

The SMS HIPPA Compliance Officer is Gale Britton. Anyone that has questions or concerns about HIPPA Compliance or privacy issues should feel free to contact her at gbritton@sentientmedical.com or 888-481-9185 x110.

 

JCAHO

Sentient Medical Systems meets JCAHO standards for acute care hospitals. Our techs complete annual mandatory programs, including infection control, fire safety, CPR, TB, etc. 

We have annual age specific competencies and competency measurement, and a detailed quality management program for technologists and physicians.

 

Training/Competency

Our technologists complete a 6-week training program provided by PhDs including classroom and clinical experiences.  They work with a senior technologist for at least 4 months.  Technologists complete an annual competency measurement.  We have a detailed quality management program that includes process and outcome measurement.

 

Tech Requirements

Our technologists require a BS in a health related field.  We have a career path program for advancement which includes education, clinical experience, and mentoring.  Our technologists complete annual competencies and are evaluated quarterly for quality measurement.

 

24/7 Availability

One of the advantages of dealing with Sentient Medical Systems is the size a breadth of services offered.  As one of the largest IOM providers nation wide, Sentient can provide technicians for all types of procedures on a 24/7/365 basis.  Please talk to your Sentient Representative about Scheduling details.