AHIMA holds Member Townhall

AHIMA held the first Member Townhall --- yes, the first event where AHIMA leadership faced the membership and provided answers to members' questions. Mr. Kevin Klauer, AHIMA CEO, and Mona Calhoun, AHIMA President, along with moderator, Dr Maria Alzondo, provided answers to preselected questions and many of the questions asked during the presentation.

My key take-aways….

1... Kevin has expressed a strong desire and commitment to involve AHIMA members in the organization’s decision-making. (The Townhall is one avenue explored June 12, 2024).

2… Kevin communicated that AHIMA has “recognized, we have moved away from our roots”; “it will take some time but will be listening to the members and providing answers”. Some activities in the last 3-5 years have “led us away from membership”; new initiatives will be coming soon. The focus is to “return home”, back to You – the members. >>> We got you Kevin ??!!!

3… Kevin states that the CEU 40% requirement has “no relation to revenue”; he also notes that AHIMA was “far less than perfect” in the implementation. Much discussion was held on the role that HCPro and Component Associations will have in providing for the 40% CEU requirement. Note: this information is published on the AHIMA website under the Certifications and Careers tab – link below.

4… Kevin also admits that the AHIMA website is “descent”, but it needs improvement and is a top priority.

5… The current CEU “Rewards Center” will be upgraded to a new platform July 1, 2024. Information regarding the transfer of CEUs is provided on AHIMA’s website under the Certifications and Careers tab – link below.

6… AHIMA is working with CAHIIM regarding the materials and conditions for Education and Academia Programs. It appears there is “on-going” resolutions needed to meet educators needs.

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An Update on the Recertification CEU Policy ….

It appears that the requirement AHIMA announced for the CEU policy will stand. AHIMA states, “Beginning January 1, 2025, forty-percent of the CEUs needed in a 2-year recertification period must come from AHIMA resources (including HCPro products, services, and family of brands) and/or the Component Associations.”

AHIMA heard the members’ concerns and complaints that the “surprise” Rule (40% of CEU’s must come from AHIMA events); however, the new CEU Policy will not be changing and takes effect January 1, 2025. What has changed from AHIMA is that they are providing more ways and opportunities to earn AHIMA CEUs. In addition, AHIMA offers “free” CEUs with membership:

All AHIMA professional members receive 5 FREE CEUs annually.

All AHIMA professional premier members receive 8 FREE CEUs annually.

This means “most” CEUs can be earned with one’s AHIMA membership – no additional charge; that is, these free CEUs are included in one’s membership fees.

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>>> My take on the 40% rule ….

If AHIMA wants 40%, I’ll earn 40% from AHIMA.

If AHIMA wants 50%, I’ll earn 50% from AHIMA.

Etc.

The AHIMA certifications have been valuable for my career and added to the knowledge that I have to contribute to work. The certifications also add monetarily – that is, the certifications are recognized by the healthcare organizations and is reflected in your $$$$ check.

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?????? With an attendance over 900 online for the “Live” Event, I would conclude that the AHIMA Townhall provided meaningful content and was appreciated by AHIMA members. The Key to Success with the Townhall is to continue the event – otherwise, it will “fade” as other AHIMA events have.

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Link to information on the FAQs for certification and policy updates. This information is published on the AHIMA website, under tab "Certifications & Careers".

Document titled, "2024 AHIMA Recertification Policy Updates - Frequently Asked Questions".

https://ahima.org/certification-careers/recertify/

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?Please note the content is my take-away from the AHIMA Townhall meeting (50 years a Nurse; 16 years AHIMA certified credential holder).

#Famey #FameyGirl