Communities of Practice (CoP)

AHIMA Communities of Practice (CoP) is an amazing online tool our members use to reach out to each other to network, share, problem solve, and stay informed on the latest trends in all HIM related topics. AHIMA has CoPs related to privacy and security, including the following:

• Compliance
• Disaster Management
• HIPAA
• HITECH-ARRA
• Privacy and Security Officers
• Regional Extension Centers
• Risk Management

This growing professional network provides answers, support, and career advice using the latest technology. As a member of AHIMA, you may access the CoP by logging into myAHIMA. If you are not a member join now and take advantage of the CoP, and join the communities that best fit your needs.

AHIMA Certification

AHIMA administers eight certification exams, including the Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS).The CHPS is an advanced credential for health information professionals specializing in privacy and security. This credential signifies competence in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy and security protection programs in all types of healthcare organizations.

AHIMA Practice Briefs

We offer guidance in best practices to AHIMA members and the healthcare industry as a resource for privacy, security, and confidentiality practices.

• Patient Access and Amendment to Health Records (Updated)
• A HIPAA Security Overview
• Disaster Planning for Health Information (Updated)
• HIPAA Privacy and Security Training (Updated)
• Limiting the Use of the Social Security Number in Healthcare
• Notice of Privacy Practices (Updated)
• Preemption of the HIPAA Privacy Rule (Updated)
• Protecting Patient Information after a Facility Closure (Updated)
• Provider-Patient E-mail Security
• Regulations Governing Research (Updated)
• Retention and Destruction of Health Information
• Sanction Guidelines for Privacy and Security Violations
• Securing Wireless Technology for Healthcare
• Security Risk Analysis and Management: An Overview (Updated)
• Security Audits of Electronic Health Information (Updated)
• The 10 Security Domains

View all Privacy, Security and Confidentiality Practice Briefs

AHIMA Body of Knowledge (BoK)

The BoK is designed to enable HIM professionals to easily access the information needed to be successful professionals. Anchored by AHIMA-owned content and complemented by links to public material, the Body of Knowledge encompasses the theory and practice of HIM. Learn more about the AHIMA Body of Knowledge .

In the AHIMA BoK, you can conduct your own searches or view articles, practice briefs, and other published materials specifically related to a topic. The AHIMA BoK contains a wealth of information on privacy issues. Examples are listed below. Some content is restricted to use by AHIMA members; selected content is made available to the healthcare industry at large.

• Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality (selected content available without login)
• HIE Privacy and security issues (selected content)
• E-HIM/EHR Privacy and security issues (selected content)
• ARRA/HIPAA (selected content)
• HIPAA (selected content)

Not a member? Join AHIMA now

AHIMA Electronic Publications

Perspectives in Health Information Management (PHIM), the peer-reviewed research journal of the AHIMA Foundation, often publishes articles related to privacy, security, and confidentiality. One such publication is listed here for example:

• Redefining the Health Information Management Privacy and Security Role
• The First Anniversary of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act: The Regulatory Outlook for Implementation
• Disparities in Healthcare among Minorities and the Use of Health Information Technology

White Papers

Papers and other tools are available to support the privacy, security, and confidentiality practices in the HIM field.

• The Privacy and Security Gaps in Health Information Exchanges

Go to the AHIMA Body of Knowledge (BoK) to search and find additional relevant reference materials.

External Resources

In addition, there are many external resources available for privacy, security, and confidentiality topics.

• HHS Health Information Privacy
• 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information; Interim Final Rule
• Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (HIPAA Privacy Rule)
• HIPAA Security Final Rule
• CMS Information Security
• Comprehensive Privacy and Security: Critical for Health Information Technology
• Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Action and Implementation Manual
• HIMSS Privacy and Security Toolkit