Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the AccreditNet?
Answer: AccreditNet is URAC’s application tool designed to facilitate an electronic internet based application process. Those materials that applicants previously provided to URAC by other means will now be submitted through the secure AccreditNet web site. Applicants will electronically submit applicable materials for specific standards and will no longer need to create an “Index to Documentation.” AccreditNet also offers other features to facilitate the application process. The “Project Manager” and “Task Manager” functions help the applicant assign tasks to specific staff for the purpose of managing deadlines.
- How does an applicant use AccreditNet?
Answer: AccreditNet facilitates an applicant’s ability to build an application using a web based platform and eliminates the hardcopy and the CD process. AccreditNet will be able to score desktop results. Multiple users can work on the system and can assign tasks and mange the project. Desktop summary report will be available online.
- Is it mandatory to use AccreditNet?
Answer: Yes, AccreditNet is mandatory and URAC will require organizations to use AccreditNet to submit documents. URAC will no longer accept paper or CD applications.
- Does an applicant have to submit nine (9) documents for each standard?
Answer: No. The AccreditNet system will only permit the submission of a maximum total of nine documents as evidence for meeting a particular standard, including its sub-standards.
- How does an applicant indicate when a standard is not applicable or request a variance?
Answer: In the “Notes” and “Document Title” field indicate “N/A” for any standard that you believe is not applicable. Write a brief statement as to why the standard is not applicable to the organization. It is acceptable to identify documents within the application that support why a standard is not applicable.
- Does an applicant need to redact the application documentation?
Answer: No. An applicant should not submit materials that have been redacted or have otherwise had information removed from the materials unless the materials contain specific information that could be used to identify the organization or information that could identify a specific person, such as a member or provider. When possible, an applicant should use templates or boilerplate examples of letters and other correspondence. Remember to check letters as well as meeting minutes for names and identifying information if actual samples or excerpts are submitted. It is acceptable to leave names in an attendance roster; please leave credentials on the attendance list.
- Can more than one user work on AccreditNet as the same time?
Answer: Each user is given a unique ID and the primary contact has the administrative rights to add and delete users. The system does allow more than one user at a time. However, in order to ensure data integrity, URAC recommends that no two users work on the same page at any given time. Task manager and Project Manager can be used to assign task to individuals so and make sure the same standard is not assigned to more than one user.
- How does an applicant submit the application once it is complete?
Answer: Following completion of the first step, which is to upload all evidence documents and make necessary references in the citation field, the applicant should check all standards and the application packet “Complete”. The system will then offer the applicant a “Submit” button on top of the screen. Once the “Submit” is clicked, the application is final.
- Is AccreditNet secure?
Answer: AccreditNet utilizes SSL encryption to secure the application submission and data.
- Will URAC look at an applicant’s documents before an applicant clicks the final “SUBMIT” button?
Answer: No. URAC will not be able to access documents prior to the final submission. Please be advised that occasionally the Database manager may have to troubleshoot a problem and may access the system during preparation for the desktop review.
- Can an applicant make a change to any evidence document once it has been submitted?
Answer: No. Once an application has been submitted, no further changes can be made to the initial application.
- How do add or delete users?
Answer: The primary contact is given administrative rights and will be able to add and delete users and edit profiles.
- Can more than one person work on the same standard at the same time?
Answer: No, however multiple users can be in AccreditNet but cannot upload, remove evidence for the same standard.
- How may an applicant ask specific questions about completing an application?
Answer: Contact the URAC office by phone at (202) 216-9010 and ask for the database manager or by sending an email to AccreditNet@URAC.org
- How do we submit changes to policy requested from the desktop?
Answer: This is called the RFI stage. In the desktop review summary the standards that need more documentation will be listed with the issues and recommendations by the reviewer. An applicant will again have the ability to upload documents to these standards. Refer pages 12 -15 on uploading the documents.
- What is “Task Manager” and “Project Manger”?
Answer: Project Manager is a tool to enter project description for the application and to include staff members to the project. The Task Manager is a calendar which displays all tasks for the assigned staff member. See tutorial on how to enter project and tasks.
- Will the data entered be saved in AccreditNet?
Answer: When you are adding text to the sections, Demographic Information, Program Specific and Site specific data please make sure to “save as draft” once every 20 minutes as the session will time out after extended inactive period. When you upload a file under “document submission” verify that the uploaded document is saved under “Submitted Evidence” on the right side of the screen.
- Can I hit “Back” button on my browser after I enter text?
Answer: No, you should not hit back button as you may overwrite data if you did not save. Click on the tabs on the top to jump to another view or click on “Summary” to go back to the main page.