R.J. Hedges Wins Runner-up of BBB Torch Award for Ethics

The Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania has named R.J. Hedges & Associates “Runner-Up” in the category for business operating with 11 - 49 employees for the prestigious Torch Award for Ethics. The Torch Awards for Ethics (Torch Award) honors companies whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character and ensure that the organization's practices meet the highest standards of ethics and consequently generate trust. These companies generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and their communities. The award embodies the Better Business Bureau mission of advancing marketplace trust.

"The CEO's personal code sets the foundation for this company's attention to ethics as seen in its mission and vision," says Torch Awards judge, Dr. Jim Weber. "The family-like culture of this company is not just talk, but is demonstrated through practice such as their maternity/paternity leave policies and involvement with professional associations."

R.J. Hedges & Associates offers comprehensive healthcare compliance consulting services for independent pharmacies, home health care facilities, medical supply companies, physicians and other small practices throughout the United States. They are able to support clients' needs in an ever-changing regulatory environment by providing complete, customized programs ready for implementation. These programs include Policies & Procedures, customized forms, computer based compliance training, and access to a knowledgeable staff.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARD:

• The Torch Award is open to all for-profit companies (Accredited Businesses and non-accredited businesses).
• The company must be physically located within the 28 county service area of the Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania.
• At the time the application is submitted, the company must: (A) Meet all BBB Accreditation Standards; and (B) have no significant outstanding concerns that will prevent the company from meeting all BBB Accreditation Standards.

President and CEO, R. Jeffrey Hedges, founded this company in 2006 to make compliance easy and stress free. He frequently conducts seminars and continuing education presentations throughout the country, focusing on HIPAA Compliance, Accreditation, Healthcare Compliance, Competitive Bidding, the Affordable Care Act and their effect on independent healthcare facilities. He is the co-author of the National Community Pharmacists Association's HIPAA Security Handbook. He has also written many articles on HIPAA Compliance, Medicare Accreditation and other federal compliance topics. Mr. Hedges serves on the Board of Directors for the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC).

Currently working with hundreds facilities throughout the United States, R. J. Hedges & Associates' compliance programs include:

• DMEPOS Compliance
• Pharmacy Compliance
• Compounding Compliance
• Fraud, Waste & Abuse Prevention
• Human Resource Management
• Medication Safety
• Pharmacy Immunization Compliance
• And other state and federal compliance programs

According to Becky Templeton, Director of Education & Business Development of R.J. Hedges & Associates, "We are lucky to have a great staff that is continually looking to help our clients. Receiving this award is a great way to celebrate our 10th anniversary."

"I count my blessings that I have an exceptionally talented staff dedicated to providing an excellent product. We are grateful to be recognized for having an unwavering standard of moral and ethical conduct, and continue to take pride in our high standards of professionalism," states Jeff Hedges, President & CEO of R.J. Hedges & Associates.