RENO, Nev., Oct 21, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Employers Occupational Health, Inc., a subsidiary of Employers Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: EIG), was awarded Gold Honors for Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection by URAC, a leading health care accreditation organization. The honor was announced at an awards dinner gala during the 2010 URAC Quality Summit and Best Practice Awards Conference October 5 - 7 in Chicago, IL. This award recognizes achievements of organizations that are effectively advancing the role of consumers as active participants in health care through Consumer Health Improvement.

Employers Occupational Health was honored for its "Controlled Drug Over-Utilization Program" which is focused on prescription drug management and on containing healthcare costs. The program establishes parameters for reporting and monitoring controlled drug over-utilization based on Employers Occupational Health's experience managing care for individuals who are injured or become ill on the job. The use of controlled medications, specifically narcotic analgesia, can be an essential part of a treatment plan. However, these medications have the potential for adverse events, abuse and diversion, which can result in poor health outcomes therefore affecting consumer safety. The award-winning program details a system to help identify and monitor patients at risk for over-utilization to improve their quality of life and to facilitate paths to recovery.

"Employers Occupational Health is honored to be recognized by URAC as a Gold Award Winner for Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection," said Mary Lushina, Senior Vice President of Employers Occupational Health, Inc. "This distinction exhibits our focus on coordination and facilitation of care by working closely with injured employees, their physicians and Pharmacy Benefit Managers."

Entries were judged by a distinguished panel chaired by epidemiologist Thomas W. Wilson, Ph.D, DrPH, Trajectory HealthCare, LLC. The 30-member panel included the best and most widely recognized experts in program evaluation, care coordination, health information technology, employer and purchaser decision making and patient safety. Entries were reviewed and scored by the judges based on objective criteria including whether the program was measurable, reproducible and delivered through a collaborative approach.

"URAC's Best Practices awards program is a unique celebration of innovative health care management programs. These organizations have implemented leading-edge programs that have made a difference in the lives of the consumers they serve with demonstrable results that matter," said Alan P. Spielman, president and CEO of URAC. "This year's winners are recognized for their leadership in delivering on the promise of a quality health care system that puts consumers first."

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates coast to coast. Insurance is offered by Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company, all rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Additional information can be found at: http://www.employers.com.

About URAC

URAC, an independent, non-profit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting meaningful standards for the health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.

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SOURCE Employers Holdings, Inc.