Chapter 1 HIM Profession

Module 01

Association of Record Librarians of North America (ARLNA)

was created in 1928 due to the complexity of today’s information- and technology-driven healthcare environment.

American College of ­Surgeons (ACS).

In 1918, the hospital standardization movement was inaugurated by

Hospital Standardization Program

was to raise the standards of surgery by establishing minimum quality standards for hospitals.

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

The first schools for medical record librarians were surveyed and approved by ARLNA in 1934. By 1941, 10 schools had been approved to provide training for medical record librarians. This formal approval process of academic programs was the precursor to the current accreditation program managed by

Certifcation

is a credential earned by demonstrating specific skills or knowledge usually tied to an occupation, technology, or industry.

Registration

is the act of enrolling; in this case, enrolling in AHIMA’s certifications

Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)

functions as the Board of Registration

Credential

is a formal agreement granting an individual permission to practice in a profession, usually conferred by a national professional organization dedicated to a specific area of healthcare practice; or the accordance of permission by a healthcare organization to a licensed, independent practitioner (physician, nurse practitioner, or other professional) to practice in a specific area of specialty within that organization.

American Association of Medical Record Librarians (AAMRL).

The health record association was known as ARLNA until Canadian members formed their own organization in 1944. At that time, the name of the professional organization was changed to

American Medical Record Association (AMRA).

In 1970, the professional organization changed its name again to eliminate the term librarian. The professional organization’s name became

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and Accredited Record Technician (ART) became Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

In 1999, AHIMA’s House of Delegates (HOD) approved a credential name change. Registered Record Administrator (RRA) became

Information Governance

is “an organization-wide framework for managing information throughout its lifecycle and for supporting the organization’s strategy, operations, regulatory, legal, risk, and environmental ­requirements”

Informatics

is a field of study that focuses on the use of technology to improve access to, and utilization of, information. Informatics uses software applications, databases, managing processes, and more

Data Analytics

is the science of examining raw data with the purpose of drawing conclusions about that information.

Data Use

is the ability to use technology to collect, store, analyze, and manage information, including the ability to use data visualization methods

Code of ethics

is a statement of ethical principles regarding business practices and professional behavior.

Active Membership

is open to all individuals who are interested in AHIMA’s purpose and willing to abide by the code of ethics.

Premier Membership

provides all the benefits described in active membership plus additional benefits such as unlimited recertification and ­additional discounts.

Student Membership

includes any student who does not have an AHIMA credential, has not previously been an active member of AHIMA, and who is formally enrolled in a Professional Certificate Approval Program or an Approved Committee for Certificate Program, or in a CAHIIM-­accredited HIM program.

New graduate membership

is for student members who are recent graduates of accredited associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs as well as AHIMA-approved coding programs.

Emeritus Membership

allows AHIMA members who are 65 years or older to be a member at a reduced rate. This membership level has all membership rights including the right to vote.

Global Membership

is for people who are interested in HIM but live outside of the United States.

Group Membership

allows multiple individuals from an organization to join at one time. Student and business groups are eligible for this membership type.

New to AHIMA Membership

offers those who have never been a member of AHIMA a discounted rate for two years. This membership receives the same benefits as the Active Member

Board of Directors

governs the ­association. They set the organizational strategy, maintain fiscal oversight, and act as trustees of the organization

Engage

is a community website managed by ­AHIMA for members to communicate on HIM topics. Engage has communities open to all HIM professionals and some specific for AHIMA members only.

House of Delegates

governs the profession of health information management by providing a forum for membership and professional issues and to establish and maintain professional standards of the membership.

Component state associations (CSAs)

are professional associations that support the mission and views of AHIMA in their state

chief executive officer (CEO)

is given the authority and responsibility to operate AHIMA in all its activities, subject to the policies and directions of the Board of Directors.

continuing education units (CEUs).

Therefore, to maintain their certification, individuals who hold any of AHIMA’s credentials must complete a designated set of.

Fellowship Program

is a program of earned recognition for AHIMA members who have made significant and sustained contributions to the HIM profession through meritorious service, excellence in professional practice, education, and advancement of the profession through innovation and knowledge sharing

Council for Excellence in Education (CEE)

to bring together representatives of the HIM education stakeholders, including industry representatives, to address issues related to the future of the profession and HIM education.

AHIMA Foundation

is a separate entity from AHIMA but supports AHIMA in a multitude of ways. AHIMA Foundation supports people (including HIM professionals, HIM students, and others), research, and resources that enhance the HIM profession.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

is a not-for-profit organization that supports “the information of health through the application of information and ­technology”

Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)

is a professional organization dedicated to the capture of health data and documentation (AHDI 2018a). AHDI sponsors the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) and Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) credentials.

American Academy of Professional coders (AAPC)

educates and certifies medical coders, billers, medical auditors, revenue cycle managers, and other administrative specialties. The AAPC sponsors certifications in these specialty areas.

National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA)

represents cancer registrar professionals. Their mission is to “serve as the premier education, credentialing, and advocacy resource for cancer data professionals”