By Liz Curtis, MA, RHIA, CHPS, FAHIMA
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a delegate representing OHIMA at the AHIMA22 Conference House of Delegates on October 9th at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Oh. It was a pleasure to attend with the other OHIMA delegates: Alonzo Blackwell, Jill Choi, Clarice Warner and Amanda Wickard, and represent you, the members of OHIMA.
Here is a brief summary of the day.
Leadership Roundtable: Participants were: AHIMA CEO, Wylecia Wiggs Harris; AHIMA President/Chair, Tim Keough; Keith Olenik, Chief Member Relations and Service Officer; Dana Perrino, Vice President, Membership; and Lauren Riplinger, Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs.
Keith shared that AHIMA is completing a job task analysis, and will be adding microcredentials – these will demonstrate competency in a smaller segment, be stackable, and complementary to existing credentials. He announced plans for a Release of Information microcredential later in the day. Keith also stated AHIMA is working on CDIP credential (and changed I from Improvement to Integrity). Keith also shared that AHIMA is looking into virtual proctoring for certification exams.
Dr. Wiggs Harris underscored that AHIMA needs sponsors, not just mentors and that leadership, along with our members, need to do the marketing of our profession.
Dana Perrino discussed the "member value project" that is underway. It includes a "member needs survey" and development and implementation of a new membership model. She stated the plan is to provide core services to members and CSAs, and make it easier to use AHIMA resources.
Lauren Riplinger shared advocacy wins: ONC included our companion guide and naming policy around Project USA for ISA; NCDHS held a conference and AHIMA was included; and the Health IT Users Alliance launched.
President Tim Keough said we are heading in a great direction. To sustain our success, we need a firm pathway and strategic plan, and those are under development.
House of Delegates Action Items: Fourteen Bylaw amendments were submitted in advance of the meeting. These were summarized in a previous blog article. Thank you to the members who reached out before the meeting to provide feedback. At the HoD, Item 11.1b was withdrawn upon the adoption of the agenda.
The items were approved with the exception of the proposed amendment to the Bylaw in Article XII, Section 12.6 Dues Payment to Component State Associations. This motion was made by Mona Calhoun, MD. Deliberation ensued and a 12 minute time limit extended to a second 12 minutes. Vote was taken by Tellers and less than two thirds were in favor, therefore the motion did not carry.
Open Forum: Delegates from around the country shared some of the key challenges and opportunities the profession is facing, and made many suggestions. The need for additional resources in areas including project management was expressed. It was suggested AHIMA work with the National Medical Scribe Association, and work with employers to educate them about the value of our credentials. It was also recommended we leverage our expertise in revenue management. It was announced that AHIMA will be incorporating the encoder into the exam – starting next year.
About the Author
Liz Curtis, MA, RHIA, CHPS, FAHIMA is a current Delegate on the OHIMA FY 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Liz is a Lecturer in the HIMS Program at The Ohio State University.
