FARGO, N.D. — Jacquelyn Walsh has joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) as vice president of Clinical Excellence and Quality in Health Network Innovation (HNI).

As a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), BCBSND and health insurers nationwide are moving from a traditional fee-for-service reimbursement model to a quality outcome-based model. Walsh will play an instrumental role as the company prepares for the health insurance exchanges, policy changes and accreditation as part of the health care reform. She will oversee all accreditation, compliance, regulatory management, case and utilization and quality management.

In this role, Walsh provides leadership to management and clinical staff related to network provider relations, care management and quality to ensure the division's efficient operations and to achieve desired outcomes in the work processes of medical and network policy development and implementation and provider relationships.

Before joining BCBSND, Walsh worked as the administrative director of Clinical Support and Surgical Services Divisions at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, N.D. She was responsible for Altru's laboratory, radiology and all surgical departments, including inpatient, outpatient and clinic services, as well as all the provider practices. Walsh also oversaw a variety of regulatory and compliance initiatives related to the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission standards.

Born in Langdon, N.D., Walsh grew up in Osakis, Minn. She graduated from St. Cloud (Minn.) Hospital School of Nursing and is a registered nurse.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.