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1. Can a new program applicant apply for CAHIIM Candidacy for more than one
campus or satellite site?
A program applicant sponsor may only apply for Candidacy for each separate campus. The site's support resources including student outcomes are evaluated individually.
2. When can a program apply to become accredited?
A program can apply for accreditation at anytime although there are deadlines for entering the Site Visit Process. A program must first apply for Candidacy Status and meet all requirements. A program must receive an acceptable Self-Assessment Eligibility Report in order to proceed with the Site Visit Process for Initial Accreditation.
3. At what point do the graduates from a new program become eligible to sit for the
AHIMA entry-level RHIA and RHIT exams?
When Initial Accreditation is awarded, only graduates who were enrolled in the HIM program at the time the qualified Candidacy Application was submitted will be eligible to apply to take the AHIMA Certification Examinations for the RHIA or RHIT, according to the AHIMA Council on Certification eligibility criteria.
The following procedure will be required: the HIM program director will provide CAHIIM Accreditation Staff, upon request, with a list of graduating students (name, permanent address, phone, email address and date of graduation). The list(s) will be made available to the AHIMA Certification department.
If Initial Accreditation is withheld by the CAHIIM Board of Commissioners, following due process procedures, the application cycle concludes and the cohorts of graduating students will not eligible to apply for the AHIMA Certification Examinations.
Should the HIM program make a new Candidacy Application for which Initial Accreditation is subsequently achieved, students who were enrolled and graduated during the previous, unsuccessful cycle, will not be eligible to apply for the AHIMA Certification Examinations.
* This policy does not represent nor does the CAHIIM support Provisional Accreditation that allows enrolled students to apply for the AHIMA Certification examinations regardless of the program’s accreditation outcome decision.
4. When will CAHIIM coordinate the Site Visit of my Program?
The program must first obtain CAHIIM Staff approval to begin the Site Visit Process. The timing of this Site Visit of the program will depend on meeting annual deadlines and any progress in achieving the requirements required in the CAHIIM Accreditation Standards. Program Site Visits are typically coordinated in the months of December through June or as determined by CAHIIM Staff.
5. What are the minimum qualifications for a Program Director at an Associate Degree Program?
The program director of an associate-degree HIM program must be certified as an RHIA or RHIT and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
6. Do I need to establish an Advisory Committee for my Program?
Yes. Under Standard II.A.4.a., an advisory committee must serve as one consttuent of your program's Community of Interest. This commuity is representative of the needs of the program to include health care providers and employers. Selection of this committee is dependent on the program director. There is no CAHIIM criteria for who should be on the committee or the length of term, however, any possible conflicts should be anticipated. The role of the advisory committee members should be defined in order for the program to receive periodic feedback for developing program goals, revising curriculum and ensuring the program is responsive to change.