Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements

The Council may for good cause waive or reduce the number of CEUs required or grant an extension of time to complete the number of CEUs required for a continuing education cycle. An extension of time shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility for completion of the CEU requirements for the continuing education cycle in which the end of the extension period falls. Age waivers will be granted, upon written request, for individuals 65 years of age and older.

Audits

As CEUs are entered into the membership files, approximately 2 percent of the candidates will randomly be selected for audit. An individual selected for audit will be required to submit verifiable documentation for each activity listed on the CEU Report Form. Auditors will seek verification of attendance/participation, content description, and CEUs earned. It is therefore recommended that CEU participants retain all records in their files for at least one year following the cycle end date.

Replacement Credentials

Upon completion of the requirements, a mastery-level coding credential (CCS, CCS-P) replaces an entry-level coding credential (CCA). Once granted, the mastery-level credential is recognized and CEUs for this credential need only be maintained.

Upon completion of the requirements, a baccalaureate-level HIM credential (RHIA) replaces an associate-based credential (RHIT). Once granted, the baccalaureate-based credential is recognized and CEUs for this credential need only to be maintained.

Restoration of Credentials (CEUs have not been maintained)

Beginning January 1, 2005 -- After four years, or two consecutive CE cycles where a credential holder does not maintain their credential, candidates will be required to apply and retake the applicable examination.

If four years or less, candidates must complete the Intent to Restore Credential application, pay all appropriate restoration fees, and obtain the required number of continuing education units in order to reinstate a credential. During restoration, an individual is listed as a "restoration candidate" for a maximum period of one year.

Forfeiture of Credentials

Individuals failing to comply with the provisions outlined in Sections II, III, or IV of the Standards for Maintenance, shall forfeit the applicable credentials. The rationale shall become effective as of the end of the year next following the end of the applicable continuing education cycle. The Council shall give appropriate notice of intention to forfeit and actual forfeiture of certification. Individuals may not use the applicable credentials once they have been forfeited.

Revocation of Credentials

The CCHIIM shall revoke the credentials of any individual who fails to comply with the AHIMA Code of Ethics. The rationale shall become effective immediately after the Council's determination. The Council shall give appropriate notice of intention to revoke and actual revocation of certification. Individuals may not use the applicable credentials once they have been revoked. A credential that has been revoked may not be restored.

Appeals

The forfeiture or revocation of certification or the refusal to restore credentials pursuant to Section IX of the Standards for Maintenance, may be appealed to the CCHIIM. The Council's decision may be appealed to the Board of Directors. Any decision upon review by the Board shall be a by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board of Directors and the decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.