Larry Smith, MHA, RHIA
Biography
Larry Smith is an accomplished health information director with over 20 years of progressive experience in health information governance, regulatory compliance, and health data strategy. As a seasoned leader in the healthcare industry, Larry oversees the management and security of patient health records, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while promoting data integrity and operational excellence.
In his current role as Director of Health Information Management at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Larry is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team that supports medical record documentation, coding accuracy, release of information, and enterprise-wide health data initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in aligning HIM functions with organizational goals, clinical quality initiatives, and digital transformation efforts, including the optimization of electronic health records and health information exchange platforms.
Larry holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from West Coast University and is credentialed as a RHIA through AHIMA. A recognized leader in the HIM community, he actively participates in professional organizations and collaborates with cross-functional teams to promote best practices in data stewardship and patient privacy.
With a strong commitment to innovation, compliance, and quality, Larry is known for driving results through strategic leadership, process improvement, and a deep understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape.
Position Statement
AHIMA's core values are Integrity, Bold, and Inclusive. How would you incorporate these into your service if elected to the AHIMA Board of Directors?
If elected to the AHIMA Board of Directors, I would integrate AHIMA's core values—Integrity, Bold, and Inclusive—into my service in the following ways: By ensuring transparency, ethical decision-making, and accountability in all Board activities, through advocacy of compliance with industry regulations, ensuring responsible stewardship of AHIMA's resources, while keeping Member's expectation at the forefront.
The core value of bold requires forward-thinking related to strategies that address the evolving needs of the HIM profession. Which includes embracing innovation in technology, advocating for policies that strengthen the role of HIM professionals in healthcare, and realizing our profession is ever evolving.
Inclusive – As a Board director, it would be my responsibility to assist in creating a diverse and collaborative environment by engaging with professionals from all backgrounds, ensuring each member has the same opportunities for growth, and advocating for all members. By aligning my leadership with these core values, I would contribute to AHIMA's mission of empowering health information professionals and advancing the industry.