PRESENTED BY JANNA LAWRENCE, MLIS, AHIP CHAIR, MLA CREDENTIALING COMMITTEE MLA 10, WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY 24, 2010 PRESENTATION ORIGINALLY CREATED BY ANNA BETH CRABTREE, AHIP, 2003 MLAs Credentialing Program A Brief Overview

The Academy of Health Information Professionals is the professional development and career recognition program of the Medical Library Association. There are several different AHIP membership levels – you are considered to be a fully qualified member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals at any of the levels. What is AHIP?

Whats the Point? A structure for professional development Mentoring and support Encouragement and recognition of professional activities Visible sign to employers

Who can be a member of AHIP? Members of MLA Members of MLA Chapters Non-members of MLA working in the health information field There are approximately 1,125 health information professionals in AHIP, representing the full range of work experience and accomplishments found among health information professionals.

Am I Eligible to Apply? Academic Preparation Do you have an ALA-accredited masters degree in library and information science, or another masters degree? If the latter, can you document coursework in MLAs seven Professional Competencies?

Am I Eligible to Apply? Professional Experience The number of years you have worked in the health information field after attaining your masters degree helps determine which level of AHIP membership you may achieve.

Am I Eligible to Apply? Professional Accomplishments You may earn points for AHIP membership by participating in a wide variety of professional accomplishments, both in MLA and its chapters and in other national, local, and regional library organizations.

7 Professional Competencies 1 Health Sciences and Health Care Environment and Information Policies 2Leadership and Management Theory and Techniques 3 Health Sciences Information Services 4 Health Sciences Resource Management 5 Information Systems and Technology 6 Curricula Design and Instruction 7 Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

The AHIP Levels Provisional Member Senior Distinguished Emeritus Members at each level are full members of the Academy

Provisional Level Holds an ALA-accredited MLS or a non-ALA- accredited masters degree with documented coursework in the 7 Professional Competencies. Currently employed in the health information field with less than 5 years of experience, OR Currently seeking employment with less than 5 years of experience. For the Provisional level, a mentor is assigned to work with you.

Provisional Level Must document 8 hours of continuing education each year; these hours will then count towards moving you to the next level at the end of your Provisional membership. Provisional fee is paid once during the provisional period (a maximum of five years) although Provisional membership must be renewed annually.

Member Level Holds an ALA-accredited MLS or a non-ALA- accredited masters degree with documented coursework in the 7 Professional Competencies. Has worked in the health information field for five or more years after attainment of the masters degree. Fifty (50) points of professional accomplishments completed in the past 5 years.

Senior Level Holds an ALA-accredited MLS or a non-ALA- accredited masters degree with documented coursework in the 7 Professional Competencies. Has worked in the health information field for five or more years after attainment of the masters degree.

Senior Level Eighty (80) points of professional accomplishments completed in the past 5 years. No more than 50 points may come from sponsored instruction. At least 5 of the 80 points must be from professional association activities, not necessarily in MLA

Distinguished Level Holds an ALA-accredited MLS or a non-ALA- accredited masters degree with documented coursework in the 7 Professional Competencies. Has worked in the health information field for ten or more years after attainment of the masters degree.

Distinguished Level One hundred and twenty (120) points of professional accomplishments completed in the past 5 years. No more than 50 points may be sponsored instruction. At least 10 of the 120 points must be professional association activities. At least 5 of 120 must be MLA leadership activities.

Emeritus Level Retired. Prior member of the academy at any level (except Provisional) at the time of retirement, and has been credentialed/certified by MLA for 10 consecutive years at the time of retirement. No points are required to renew at this level. Send a written request, Emeritus Form, and copies of your last certificate(s) to MLA headquarters.

Comparison of AHIP Levels

AHIP on MLANET

Portfolio Review Process It begins at MLA Headquarters You send in your portfolio Primary Review An MLA Credentialing Committee member Secondary Review The Credentialing Committees Chair Designate It ends at MLA Headquarters You are notified of the outcome

Changes to the Point Index for MLA Annual Meeting reporters. Changes to Point Index for Web content writers/editors. Online renewal at the same level with credit card only in development. Online repository for storing and managing professional development activities. New & Coming Soon!

LISA C. FRIED, MA COORDINATOR, CREDENTIALING, PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND CAREERS MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PHONE: (312) X28 FAX: (312) OR CONTACT YOUR CHAPTER CREDENTIALING LIAISON Who you gonna call….. about Credentialing?

Credentialing/AHIP Questions?