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Health care accreditation firm URAC is developing an accreditation program for “clinically integrated networks,” such as accountable care organizations and medical homes, and is seeking public comment on proposed initial standards.

“URAC accreditation will bring value for clinically integrated provider networks by providing external validation that they have the infrastructure and processes to support collaboration, care coordination and clinical integration,” says Alan Spielman, president and CEO of the organization.

The standards, developed by industry stakeholders, cover best practices for operations and structure, clinical management, information technology, population health, patient centeredness, care coordination, and measures and reporting. They also outline operational, clinical, information technology and reporting structures that maximize collaboration across a network of providers.

Comments are due by Dec. 28, 2012, with release of the standards expected in spring 2013. More information is available here.