Accreditation

Application Process for DirectTrust Accreditation

Step 1: Getting Started

Each Applicant starts the Accreditation Process by:

1. Downloading, executing, and submitting the Application Agreement.
2. Completing and submitting an online Accreditation application form.
3. Remitting the Accreditation Application Fee.

The Accreditation program will begin after the Application Form and Payment have been processed by DirectTrust, and the Applicant will receive information on how to start the Accreditation process.

Step 2: Download Self-Attestation Document

The Applicant will receive download access for the Self-Attestation document for the program they are enrolling in and its corresponding Companion Guide.

The Self-Attestation Document contains all of the criteria that an Applicant must provide answers to and in some cases evidence that demonstrate that it is in compliance with the DirectTrust Policy.

The Self-Attestation Document and associated evidence are uploaded for review by the DirectTrust Reviewer. The Reviewer will grade the criteria and artifacts to develop an Audit score. The Audit Score is used to determine if the Applicant passes or fails the audit.

The Self-Attestation criteria is classified into two main categories: Mandatory and Not Mandatory. The Mandatory criteria is scored on a pass/fail basis and the Not Mandatory criteria is scored on a points basis. All of the Mandatory criteria must receive a Pass score. If any of the Mandatory criteria is failed, then the entire audit is failed. The Not Mandatory audit criteria must achieve a passing score that is specified in the Self Attestation Document.

The Companion Guide provides guidance and an explanation for how to respond to each of the Audit Criteria. It is strongly recommended that the Applicant download and review the Companion Guide before completing the Self-Attestation criteria questions. You will be given access to download the Companion Guide.

Step 3: Applicant Completes Self-Attestation Document

Using the Companion Guide for assistance, the Applicant works to complete the questions in the Self-Attestation Document.

As part of answering the Self-Attestation questions, the Applicant will be asked to upload evidence that is required to prove that they are in compliance with DirectTrust Policy.

Step 4: DirectTrust Review Of Self-Attestation Document and Evidence

After the Applicant uploads Self-Attestation response and evidence, the DirectTrust Reviewer will review the submission for completeness and to ensure that the Applicant is operating within the DirectTrust Policy guidelines.

During the review process, the Reviewer may have questions or require consultation with the Applicant. This process of consultation with the Applicant may require several iterations where the Reviewer may request additional information. Before the audit has completed the Applicant must upload proof of receiving its HIPAA Privacy and Security Certification or Accreditation before they can be approved for accreditation.

If the HIPAA Privacy and Security Certification or Accreditation, Self-Attestation and artifacts are in good order, the Applicant will be notified that the Audit has been completed with success and the results will be sent to the DirectTrust Accreditation Manager for review.

Step 5: DirectTrust Accreditation Approval

The DirectTrust Accreditation Manager will decide to approve the Applicant’s application for accreditation. Upon approval by the DirectTrust Accreditation Manager, a recommendation will be made to the DirectTrust Board of Directors for approval. Once the DirectTrust Board of Directors votes and approves the Applicant’s accreditation, the DirectTrust website will be updated to indicate its accredited status and notification will be sent to the Applicant as proof of its accreditation.

After an Applicant’s accreditation is approved, it will receive a letter informing them that their accreditation has been approved by the DirectTrust Board of Directors, a logo for display on its website and other marketing materials.