State Associations Now Included in the 40%

 

Since last autumn, OHIMA has been fighting the new CCHIIM requirement that stated a minimum of 40% of CEUs must come directly from AHIMA resources starting January 1, 2025. To learn more about the history:   Read the full December update from OHIMA: OHIMA Opposes AHIMA Recertification Update Read post about January petition: Sign Petition Opposing 40% Requirement   Originally, the Component Associations (i.e. state associations including OHIMA) were not included in this 40%. As of April 22, 2024, AHIMA has announced that component state associations are now included in the 40%. Read the full message from AHIMA below. Thank you to all the members who contacted AHIMA and CCHIIM opposing this change. The OHIMA Board and Staff are so grateful for your support! Thank you to AHIMA and CCHIIM for listening to member concerns and including the state associations in the 40%. Reach out to OHIMA's Senior Executive Director, Lauren Manson, RHIA, CAE at ohima@ohima.org should have you have questions.

Message from AHIMA on April 22, 2024: Update on Recertification Requirements and Policy Changes We want to provide you with an update on the recent changes to the recertification requirements for AHIMA certifications. After a thorough review and discussion among the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM), the AHIMA board of directors, and AHIMA leadership along with your feedback, additional information, and other industry factors, CCHIIM made the decision to adjust certification requirements.       Beginning January 1, 2025, 40% of the CEUs needed in a 2-year recertification period must come from AHIMA and/or the Component Associations (CAs). As an AHIMA member, you will still receive complimentary CEUs annually as part of your membership benefits designed to support your credential maintenance while reducing out-of-pocket expense; these CEUs count towards fulfilling the 40% requirement. Moreover, you still have the flexibility to earn an additional 60% of CEUs from Approved Continuing Education Program®(ACEP) providers, or alternative sources. The ACEP program offers third-party providers the opportunity to award AHIMA credit hours for their continuing education products. This will allow you to explore a broader range of learning opportunities and enhance your professional development. To add value and flexibility, up to 20% of any additional CEUs earned from AHIMA, CAs, or ACEP providers in the last three months of a recertification cycle can be carried over to the next one.      The updated recertification policy aims to enhance the relevancy, authority, and validity of AHIMA certifications, demonstrating a strong commitment to competency for Health Information (HI) professionals. It ensures ongoing competence among certified professionals and provides employers with confidence in the rigor and quality of AHIMA certifications.  As a reminder, AHIMA offers numerous ways for you to earn the required CEUs, including newly improved complimentary CEUs for Professional and Professional Premier members, and an annual quarterly member-exclusive webinar series.   The new CEU options implemented in January 2024 enable you to excel further, providing increased value, flexibility, and professional growth opportunities in your certification journey. They include: Earning additional AHIMA certifications Earning an AHIMA Microcredential Being an author in a research journal or educational article in a professional or trade journal Serving as an AHIMA/CA volunteer Serving as an AHIMA volunteer in an industry-relevant, non-AHIMA professional or trade association  These resources facilitate compliance with recertification requirements for HI professionals like yourself, ensuring up-to-date knowledge in the field without having to spend a substantial amount of money, if any.     We are dedicated to supporting you throughout the recertification process, ensuring a seamless transition to the new requirements. You can find more information on our recertification page.      Warm regards,    Mona Calhoun, AHIMA Board President and Chair  Linda Williams, CCHIIM Chair