As I am writing this, I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is fast approaching and before you know it Christmas will be here.

Late summer and early fall have been a very busy time for the MHIMA board and committee chairs. We had another successful fall meeting with MHA in Billings with a bonus workshop on Documentation Improvement Matters and sessions on Patient Status and Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Activity. At the business meeting we had a good discussion on the AHIMA-proposed resolutions and bylaws.

The MHIMA board and committee chairs met in August to create the 2009-2010 Strategic Plan. We rely on you feedback, which is why one of our key strategies is to conduct a member survey. You will be contacted by one of our board members, so please let us know what MHIMA can do for you!! Please take a few minutes to review the strategic plan and the organization chart, if there is something on this plan that you would be interested in participating in, please let us know. The strategic plan is posted on our website and the MT COP.

Patti Reisinger, Michelle Daniels, and myself attended the AHIMA National Convention in October, which was in Dallas, TX. During the House of Delegates we attended action forums that addressed several issues that will have a great impact on our profession:

• ICD-10 Implementation and Training- this forum discussed the challenge that the healthcare industry faces in the transition to ICD-10 CM/PCS and its implementation date of October 2013; Reviewed AHIMA’s ICD-10-CM/PCS workforce training model; Generate ideas for Component State Associations (CSAs) to leverage AHIMA’s training model for the benefit of their state and local membership
• Future-focused HIM Workforce-this forum discussed the government initiatives focused on healthcare reform, electronic health records (EHRs) used by all healthcare providers, the need for many more trained specialists to implement and manage EHRs, and with increased efforts to provide various training certificates for a broader, diversified healthcare information technology workforce, what, where, and how can HIM secure its best and strongest role and voice?
• ARRA Funded State Level HIE Initiative-this forum discussed the latest information about HIE programs and resources. Delegates were able to consider how this affects AHIMA’s products and services and its advocacy positions. CSA leadership must seek to influence the direction of ARRA funding for State Level HIE activities.
• EHR Implementation- this forum discussed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The enactment of ARRA has pushed HIT adoption further into the forefront of healthcare reform. ARRA accelerates the adoption of EHRs through the use of payment incentives that will begin in 2011. The final definitions of meaningful use and what constitutes a qualified/certified Her will be made available by the end of 2009. ARRA has opened endless opportunities for HIM professionals
• Organizational Futures Project- this form discussed the importance of setting direction and strategy for the Association and that it is a key responsibility of the Board of Directors. The key success factors identified for AHIMA are Agility, Leadership Development, and Collaboration with Stakeholders, Generate Evidence Based Research, and a Reputation as a trusted knowledge resource.

If you have any questions on these forums, please contact Michelle, Patti, or myself for more information.

The House of Delegates (HOD) passed 2 of the 3 action items that were discussed at the Billings meeting and posted on the COP.

The HOD Operations Team proposed a bylaws amendment on delegate apportionment. Due to the fact that CSA’s felt they did not have enough time to discuss this with their members, the HOD approved a motion to refer the issue to committee for further deliberation.

The Tennessee Health Information Management Association proposed a resolution for professional guidelines/best practices for electronic documentation. The resolution was approved.

The HOD Team on Volunteer and Leadership Development proposed a resolution on volunteer and leadership development. The resolution was approved.

Despite a few bumps, the HOD was very efficient and we were finished by 4:00 pm, which I was told is unheard of. It was very exciting to be involved at this HOD and I am very thankful for the opportunity that MHIMA has given me and I am very proud to represent Montana at the HOD and other meetings.

During the HOD meeting they announced the 2010 Nominating Committee Election Results and I am proud to announce that I was elected to this committee with the most votes of 72. I will serve on this committee with Alicia Blevins, RHIA, CHP from TN and Sue Biedermann, MHSP,RHIA from TX.

We will be collaborating with HFMA for our annual spring meeting, which will be in Helena, April 14-16, 2010. Details are still being worked out, please let Michelle Daniels, Spring Meeting Chair know what you would like for educational sessions or if would like to help.

I will wrap this up for now, and hoping that everyone has a happy holiday season and hoping to see you in Helena this spring.

Jennifer Mcmanis