eNews from MdHIMA

Issue 11 – October 2008

MdHIMA President’s Message
AHIMA House of Delegates (HOD) Update

ROI Educational Session – HIPAA and Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records

MdHIMA Annual Meeting
MdHIMA Annual Meeting - Silent Auction 2009

2008 MdHIMA Distinguished Student Awards

Welcome New MdHIMA Members!
Dates to Remember
Submit Items for the e-Newsletter
Is Your AHIMA Member Profile Current?


MdHIMA President’s Message

I hope that all of you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Autumn is definitely my favorite season. As the fall months unfold, many activities abound for MdHIMA members.

The delegates are gearing up for the AHIMA House of Delegates (HOD) scheduled for October 12th in Seattle. Several important issues will be addressed including:

1) Proposed Privacy & Security Resolution

2) Proposed Credential in Health Data Analytics

3) Proposed Bylaws Amendments on Certification Governance

These issues are described later in this newsletter and links are also included to the detailed information on AHIMA’s website. MdHIMA members are encouraged to give consideration to the proposals and to share their thoughts with their elected-MdHIMA representatives.

Later this fall, the much anticipated revision of the “Maryland Guide to Release of Information” will be available for purchase and, the corresponding educational program is scheduled for November 13th. Registrations for the session are currently being accepted via our website. Be sure to take advantage of this incredibly informative program.

Our Education, Arrangements and Data Quality Committees are off to an outstanding start this year. Most of the educational sessions have already been planned for the entire fiscal year. You can get more details by accessing the Calendar of Events on our website (www.mdhima.org).

The Data Quality Committee is extremely active this year. Not only planning 6 educational programs thus far but also having over 30 members serving on their committee. Great job!

The Health Information Program Directors will be holding their kick-off meeting in October. Mona Calhoun, MS, RHIA has agreed to take the lead on this group. As we continue to make progress with AHIMA’s Vision 2016 plan, the input and ongoing dialogue with our educators is crucial to our profession’s ongoing success.

It’s also the time of year to celebrate our profession during National Health Information and Technology Week November 2nd through the 8th.

A very busy time of year indeed!

As always, my best wishes to all of you. Enjoy the autumn foliage, apple cider, football games and trick-or-treating.

Hope to see you at an upcoming educational program!

Dauna Mays, RHIA
MdHIMA President 2008-2009



AHIMA House of Delegates (HOD) Update

The following is a summary of the September and October items before the HOD:


1. Bylaws Amendments regarding the Nominating Committee

Proposal is to (1) specify the number of members appointed by the Board of Directors and, (2) to increase the terms of the appointed member position from one-year to two-year terms. The purposes of the proposal are to remain consistent with the terms of elected members of the Committee and to ensure appropriate continuity of membership to sustain the Nominating Committee process. The amendment will require a two-third’s vote

Learn More

2. Revisions to the Standards for Ethical Coding

Revisions are being proposed to the existing Standards for Ethical Coding. The motion will require a simple majority to approve.

Learn More
3. Nominating Committee Election

The HOD will be voting on members for this committee from September 15 – September 26. This year the Component State Associations (CSAs) of Alabama through Missouri were eligible to submit candidates for the committee. Through a special election this summer, MdHIMA elected and subsequently submitted Mona Y. Calhoun, MS, RHIA as a candidate. Congratulations Mona and good luck in the AHIMA election!


4. Proposed Privacy and Security Resolution

At the Winter Team Talks in Washington, D.C. in Spring 2008, it was suggested that a resolution be drafted to address the number of highly publicized patient privacy breaches that have occurred. The resolution calls on AHIMA members to urge healthcare organizations to provide education on the use of health information, that HIM professionals be on the forefront of the initiative, and that AHIMA endorse consistent healthcare policies and establish standards.

Learn More
5. Proposed Credential in Health Data Analytics

In 2007, the Council on Certification (COC) was charged with determining the need for a new credential in HIM to increase the size of an AHIMA-certified HIM workforce to engage new, non-certified members at a professional level.

The Health Data Analyst credential and will be voted on by the HOD in October 2008.

Learn More

6. Proposed Bylaws Amendment on Certification Governance

As an initial step toward third-party accreditation, the COC is proposing revision to the AHIMA bylaws that would transfer the powers and duties of approving the standards for initial certification and the standards for maintenance of certification from the House of Delegates to the COC.

Learn More


ROI Educational Session – HIPAA and Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records

This much-anticipated session will be held Thursday, November 13 at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. MdHIMA is pleased to have Attorney Tina DeFranco as the main speaker. Registration and lunch will be from 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the program running from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Learn More and Register Online


MdHIMA Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars for next year’s MdHIMA Annual Meeting to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center May 7-8, 2009. We look forward to great event!


MdHIMA Annual Meeting - Silent Auction 2009

The Fundraising Committee is gearing up for the 2009 Silent Auction to be held during the MdHIMA Annual Meeting in May. The proceeds of the auction benefit students in Maryland who are pursuing HIM careers. We are seeking donations from our membership to make this the most successful auction to date! Many wonderful donations have been received in the past including items such as jewelry, tickets to museums or sporting events, gift baskets and gifts certificates, just to name a few. Other suggestions include a free week or weekend at a beach house, ski lodge or even a bed and breakfast. Please know that ALL donations are welcomed and appreciated. Members wishing to make any type of donation are encouraged to contact the following Silent Auction Committee Members:

Diane Horton, CCS, CCS-P - Diane.horton@erickson.com

Christie Ferri, RHIT - CFerri@adventisthealthcare.com

Janice L. Greenberg, RHIT, CCS-P - jgreenberg@mwph.org

Patricia Vargo RHIT - ptvargo@comcast.net

Beverly L. Todd, RHIT - 410-209-6052



2008 MdHIMA Distinguished Student Awards

Four (4) individuals were recognized by MdHIMA as distinguished students for 2008. The awards ceremony was held on September 19th at the MdHIMA Educational Session and Quarterly Business Meeting held at The Rose Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland.

Recipients were selected by their Health Information Program Directors for their outstanding scholarly achievements, leadership abilities and community involvement.

The 2008 Distinguished Students are:

  • Leslie Helfrick from Kaplin College, Hagerstown, Maryland

  • Joshua Sukhmangal from Montgomery College, Takoma Park, Maryland

  • Candace A. Vines from Prince George’s College, Largo Maryland

  • Cheryl Carton from Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore Maryland

Congratulations! We wish them continued success in their health information careers!


Welcome New MdHIMA Members!

MdHIMA welcomes the new and transfer members into our state association! We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events and welcome your active participation. Please feel free to contact any of the Board members if you are interested in joining a committee or if you have questions or need information. Again, welcome!

Geneva Allen, CCA

Michael Edward Atkinson

Tracy C. Beach, RHIA

Tirsit B. Besha

Elizabeth E. Carmean

Lucile M. Carmichael

Heather K. Contee

Prerna Dahiya

Tunie T. Evans

Cheryl L. Farkas, CCA

Judith A. Fleury, CCS-P

Kevin A. Grant, CCS-P,CIC,PCS

Bernice N. Holland

Tracey Ann Hubicki, RHIT

Mark E. James, Sr., CPC

Caprice Jones-Davall

Anita L. Kronk, RHIT,CCS

Lanette D. Maye

Mark E. McBride, RHIA

Maryum E. McCurty

Brian R. McGraw

Yavonne D. Montgomery, CCA

Ann C. Onaye, CPC

Tracy L. Smith

Harriett M. Soumah

Natasha Sykes

Kelly M. Terziu

 



Dates to Remember

October 4, 2008 – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - PHIMA CCS Preparation Readiness Course - Lankenau Hospital, Annenberg Conference Center, Lankenau, PA

October 11 – 16, 2008 – AHIMA Convention and Exhibit – Seattle, WA

October 22, 2008 – 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Release of Information: Bringing It in House - PHIMA Audio Conference

November 1, 2008 – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - PHIMA CCS Preparation Readiness Course - Iron Mountain, 1200 Freedom Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066

November 13, 2008 – 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - ROI Educational Session – HIPAA and Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records – Mercy Medical Center, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD

December 5, 2008 – 7:30 am – 4:00 pm - Quarterly Business Meeting (QBM) and Educational Program - Hilton Garden Inn, 5015 Campbell Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21236 – Registration info TBD

December 16, 2008 - CPT 2010 Updates - PHIMA Audio Conference

March 6, 2009 - Quarterly Business Meeting (QBM) and Educational Program - Kernan Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207 – Registration info TBD.

Visit the Calendar to Learn More and Register Online


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