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Upcoming Events

March 20–21, 2023, in Washington, DC

2023 AHIMA Advocacy Summit: Register Today!

The AHIMA Advocacy Summit is where health leaders and policymakers come together to address important key policy issues related to health data and health information.

You may earn up to 13 CEUs at this two-day event, taking place March 20–21, 2023, in Washington, DC, which includes a Public Policy Institute on March 20. AHIMA members also have an opportunity to advocate for issues impacting the health information profession to their elected officials at our Capitol Hill Day on March 21.

Watch a video message from AHIMA’s Lauren Riplinger, Chief Public Policy and Impact Officer.

Advocacy News Highlights

nurse seated at desk with paper chart and using computer

December 9, 2022

AHIMA Responds to Cybersecurity RFI from Senator Warner (D-VA)

AHIMA has responded to a white paper from Senator Warner (D-VA) entitled “Cybersecurity is Patient Safety: Policy Options in the Health Care Sector.” The response highlights the AHIMA position on cybersecurity leadership within the federal government, workforce, and information sharing.

business professionals discussing at a table

November 10, 2022

AHIMA Comments on C&M Code Proposals 

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the September ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting that are being considered for implementation on October 1, 2023.

diverse group of people

October 24, 2022

AHIMA Releases Health Equity Recommendations 

AHIMA's recommendations to further health equity in US federal policy represent the key areas where AHIMA and its members' expertise are best suited to help close the health equity gap.

AHIMA will also release additional learnings and information on the collection and use of social determinants of health data in 2022 and 2023 that will continue to shape these recommendations and looks forward to sharing these learnings with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in the near future.

Nurse And Patient In Hallway

August 2, 2022

AHIMA, AMIA, EHRA Release Report on Operationalizing Definition of EHI

AHIMA, AMIA, and EHRA announced the release of a final report that examines key issues related to operationalizing the definitions of “electronic health information” (EHI) and “designated record set” (DRS). The report is intended to serve as a resource to assist providers, health IT systems, health information exchanges, and health information networks in complying with the information blocking provisions of the Cures Act Final Rule.

All Recent News

HIPAA

March 15, 2023

AHIMA Comments on HIPAA Transaction Standards Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule for the adoption of standards for healthcare attachments transactions, which would support both healthcare claims and prior authorization transactions, and a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with health care attachments transactions.

entering data in the computer

March 10, 2023

AHIMA Comments on Proposed Rule for Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule aimed at improving health information exchange and furthering price transparency efforts.

Money

March 9, 2023

Funding Requested for AHRQ

AHIMA joined 151 healthcare organizations requesting $500 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the federal vehicle for studying and improving the United States healthcare system. This request reflects the demonstrated need to expand and accelerate HSR investments to inform decision-making on the healthcare system as it recovers from the pandemic.

Telehealth

January 26, 2023

Coalition Provides Recommendations Regarding CONNECT for Health Act

AHIMA joined other organizations on a letter to Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) with legislative recommendations for necessary health information technology (HIT) improvements in long-term and post-acute (LTPAC) settings to improve the telehealth expansions called for in their CONNECT for Health Act.

Privacy

January 26, 2023

AHIMA Comments on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records Proposed Rule 

AHIMA submitted comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights on a proposed rule regarding the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. 

Capitol

January 23, 2023

AHIMA Sends Letter to 118th Congress 

At the beginning of the 118th Congress, AHIMA sent a letter to congressional leadership outlining its top priorities to bolster and modernize the health system.

December 16, 2022

Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachments, Transactions and Electronic Signatures, and Modification to Referral Certification and Authorization Transaction Standard proposed rule. This rule would update the HIPAA Attachment and Transaction standards. AHIMA published a fact sheet outlining key provisions of the rule. 

 

nurse seated at desk with paper chart and using computer

December 9, 2022

AHIMA Responds to Cybersecurity RFI from Senator Warner (D-VA)

AHIMA has responded to a white paper from Senator Warner (D-VA) entitled “Cybersecurity is Patient Safety: Policy Options in the Health Care Sector.” The response highlights the AHIMA position on cybersecurity leadership within the federal government, workforce, and information sharing.

December 9, 2022

Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes proposed rule that is aimed at improving health information exchange and furthering price transparency efforts. AHIMA published a fact sheet outlining the impacted parties and the key provisions contained in the proposed rule. 

December 5, 2022

OCR Bulletin on Requirements Under HIPAA for Online Tracking Technologies 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a bulletin providing sub-regulatory guidance on requirements for covered entities who use online tracking technologies to follow a user’s interaction with a website or application. AHIMA published a one-page FAQ describing key provisions in this bulletin.

 

December 2, 2022

Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records Proposed Rule 

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a proposed rule to align 42 CFR Part 2 which governs Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records with the HIPAA Rules. In a summary of the rule, AHIMA outlines key provisions. 

November 18, 2022

AHIMA Responds to RFI on National Directory of Healthcare Providers & Services 

AHIMA submitted a response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Request for Information (RFI) on establishing a National Directory of Healthcare Providers & Services that could serve as a ‘‘centralized data hub’’ for healthcare provider, facility, and entity directory information nationwide.

November 10, 2022

AHIMA Comments on C&M Code Proposals 

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the September ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting that are being considered for implementation on October 1, 2023.

November 7, 2022

AHIMA Responds to RFI 

AHIMA submitted a response to the Department of the Treasury, Department of Labor, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Request for Information (RFI) to inform federal rulemaking for advanced explanation of benefits and good faith estimate requirements of the No Surprises Act.

October 24, 2022

AHIMA Releases Health Equity Recommendations 

AHIMA's recommendations to further health equity in US federal policy represent the key areas where AHIMA and its members' expertise are best suited to help close the health equity gap.

October 5, 2022

AHIMA Comments on C&M Code Proposals Requested for April 2023 Implementation

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the September ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting that are being considered for implementation on April 1, 2023.

September 7, 2022

AHIMA Comments on Medicare Payment Regulations

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

AHIMA also submitted comments to CMS on the CY 2023 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) proposed rule.

 

August 30, 2022

AHIMA Responds to Medicare Advantage RFI

AHIMA submitted a response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Request for Information (RFI) on Medicare Advantage. This letter addressed ways to advance health equity, interoperability, and equitable access to telehealth in Medicare Advantage.

August 2, 2022

AHIMA, AMIA, EHRA Release Report on Operationalizing Definition of EHI

AHIMA, AMIA, and EHRA announced today the release of a final report that examines key issues related to operationalizing the definitions of “electronic health information” (EHI) and “designated record set” (DRS). The report is intended to serve as a resource to assist providers, health IT systems, health information exchanges, and health information networks in complying with the information blocking provisions of the Cures Act Final Rule.

July 20, 2022

Provider Role in Protecting Patient Confidentiality, Privacy, and Security Beyond HIPAA

This list of resources from AHIMA will assist health information professionals with educating patients on how to protect the confidentiality, privacy, and security of their health information in environments not covered by HIPAA.

June 13, 2022

Information Blocking Recommendations Sent to HHS

AHIMA and several other organizations urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the ONC, OIG, and CMS to work together to provide additional education to providers related to information blocking laws and requirements. 

June 10, 2022

AHIMA Comments on FY 2023 Hospital IPPS Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. 

May 23, 2022

AHIMA Responds to OCR RFI

AHIMA has submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Considerations for Implementing the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, as Amended.

May 2, 2022

AHIMA Comments on March 2022 C&M Code Proposals

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on ICD-10-CM/PCS code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.

April 20, 2022

AHIMA Comments on USCDI Draft v3

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Draft Version 3. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.  New data classes for health insurance information and health status are proposed, and 20 new data elements. 

 

March 25, 2022

AHIMA Responds to ONC RFI

AHIMA submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) on electronic prior authorization standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria.

 

March 16, 2022

AHIMA Joins Healthcare Organizations in Advocating for AHRQ Funding

AHIMA has joined 135 healthcare organizations in advocating for $500 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) federal budget. The funding will support AHRQ's mission of furthering research to improve health care quality, reduce costs, advance patient safety, decrease medical errors, and broaden access to essential services.

 

March 4, 2022

Coalition Responds to Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee RFI

In a response to the Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee request for information (RFI), AHIMA and other healthcare organizations recommended the authorization of funding for long-term and post-acute care providers to adopt interoperable health information technology with a focus on patient care and safety. 

February 23, 2022

AHIMA Comments on PREVENT Pandemics Act Legislation

AHIMA recently provided feedback on the PREVENT Pandemics Act draft legislation, introduced by HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC). AHIMA provided comments on social determinants of health, accurate patient information, and improving the frontline workforce.

January 21, 2022

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Interoperability

A policy statement addressing interoperability has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To make the strides needed to strengthen interoperability within healthcare, public policy must improve standardization of health data to support interoperability. 

January 5, 2022

Coalition Sends Letter to CMS and ONC on FHIR Based APIs

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), AHIMA and other provider-based organizations ask that security and vulnerability flaws of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) based application program interfaces (APIs) be reviewed and that FHIR API policies be reevaluated.

November 12, 2021

AHIMA and HIMSS Provide Input on Cyber Incident Reporting Act

In a letter to relevant committee leadership on Capitol Hill, AHIMA and HIMSS sent a letter in support of the most recent bipartisan amendment offer by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA) to the Cyber Incident Reporting Act. The legislation would create a compulsory cyber incident notification program with implications for the healthcare community. AHIMA and HIMSS voiced support for issues including harmonizing federal reporting requirements, focusing on patient safety, and supporting opportunities for cyber workforce development.

October 11, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Draft Elements of Common Agreement

In a letter to the Sequoia Project, AHIMA provided feedback on the Elements of the Common Agreement in support of the goal of establishing “a floor of universal interoperability across the country for health care.”

October 7, 2021

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Consumer Engagement

A policy statement addressing consumer engagement has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To empower individuals to become better informed and more involved in decisions that affect their health and healthcare, AHIMA believes that public policy must guarantee an individual’s right to access their health information, regardless of where it is captured, stored, or exchanged.

 

September 20, 2021

Release of Preliminary Report: "Defining EHI and the Designated Record Set in an Electronic World"

AHIMA, the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), and the Electronic Health Record Association (EHRA) released a preliminary report that examines key issues related to the operationalization of the definitions of electronic health information (EHI) and designated record set (DRS).

 

September 13, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule.

 

September 7, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

 

September 3, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Surprise Billing Regulations

AHIMA submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the interim final rule on Requirements Related to Surprise Billing.

 

August 6, 2021

Overview of AHIMA's New Health Equity Policy Statement

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and exacerbated existing health inequities in the US and beyond. This spring we convened a work group to help us think about what key public policy considerations should be addressed by policymakers to address health inequities.

 

August 2, 2021

Health Interoperability Outcomes 2030

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology recently asked the healthcare community what interoperability outcomes should be prioritized that align with ONC's interoperability vision for the nation and the 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. In this video, AHIMA CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, details AHIMA’s answer.

July 20, 2021

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Health Equity

A policy statement addressing health equity has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To meet the needs of diverse populations and reduce and eliminate health disparities and inequities, AHIMA believes that public policy must encourage the standardized collection of accurate and complete patient demographic and social determinants of health data. 

 

July 19, 2021

AHIMA Provides Input to NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards

AHIMA provided input to the NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards request for public comment on healthcare standards development, adoption, and implementation. AHIMA's letter stated that harmonizing standards to create a consistent set of standards for code sets, content, and services must evolve together to address clinical and administrative workflows. AHIMA commented that a clear roadmap and timeline are necessary to ensure the successful convergence of clinical and administrative data streams.

 

July 15, 2021

AHIMA Provides Feedback on 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation

AHIMA submitted comments on the 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation. AHIMA's letter offers several recommendations pertaining to accurate patient identification, increased health literacy, expanded access to and support for telehealth, payment for breakthrough devices, and biometrics.

 

July 15, 2021

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Healthcare Reform

A policy statement on the subject of healthcare reform has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors. To recognize the value of health information in any health reform efforts seeking to expand insurance coverage, improve quality, and/or reduce costs, AHIMA believes that, regardless of insurance coverage status, public policy must guarantee the right for all to have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage and ensure individuals are able to access, use, and share their health information. 

 

July 14, 2021

AHIMA Publishes White Paper on Social Determinants of Health

A new AHIMA white paper explores the strategies and best practices forward-thinking healthcare organizations use to improve the data governance underlying social determinants of health data initiatives.

 

June 24, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Hospital IPPS Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule.

 

June 21, 2021

AHIMA Comments on Office of Management and Budget Equity Request for Information

AHIMA submitted comments in response to a request for information (RFI) from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) related to equity in federal policies and programs. AHIMA’s letter offers several recommendations to OMB related to the standardized and consistent collection of relevant health data and urges the agency to ensure “equity by design” across federal programs.

 

May 3, 2021

AHIMA Comments on March 2021 C&M Code Proposals

AHIMA Submitted Comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics on ICD-10-CM code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.

April 30, 2021

AHIMA Comments on April 1 ICD-10-CM/PCS Implementation Date

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics on the possible implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS codes on April 1.

April 21, 2021

Under the Dome: Read Highlights from ICD-10 C&M Committee Meeting

At the recent ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee meeting, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and National Center for Health Statistics discussed the possible adoption of April 1 ICD-10 code updates.

 

April 15, 2021

AHIMA Comments on US Core for Data Interoperability Draft Version 2

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Version 2. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange. The USCDI Draft version 2 proposes to new data classes and data elements to the USCDI.

 

April 13, 2021

Under the Dome: Learn About AHIMA's New Policy Statement on Affordability

As the cost of care rises, policymakers have increasingly focused on the need for greater transparency in healthcare prices and health plan coverage.

 

April 12, 2021

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Affordability

A policy statement on the subject of affordability has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors.

 

April 7, 2021

AHIMA Submits Comments on Code Proposals

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Center for Health Statistics on code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.

 

March 22, 2021

AHIMA Comments on HHS Office for Civil Rights’ Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the HHS Office for Civil Rights regarding its proposed rule that would modify aspects of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.  The proposed rule would, among other things, amend certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule that could present barriers to coordinated care and case management, or impose regulatory burdens without offsetting such burdens through privacy protections.

 

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