FAQs

  1. What is the relationship of HIMANYC to AHIMA and NYHIMA?

HIMANYC represents the local association of the five boroughs. There are other local associations throughout New York State that represent other areas of the state. NYHIMA is the state association of New York and represents the profession to the national association AHIMA.

  1. When did HIMANYC begin?

HIMANYC began back in 1928 making it 78 years old! As with the profession, it has gone through many changes. It was previously called the Greater New York Medical Record Association and represented New Jersey, Long Island, the five boroughs, and Upper New York State.

  1. What are the membership requirements for HIMANYC?

There are different categories for members. For professionals who hold a HIM credential, they must be members of AHIMA and NYHIMA to join HIMANYC.

  1. Why are the educational programs always held in Manhattan?

No particular reason except the fact that HIMANYC has held meetings there for many years. The association is always interested in providing different locations and topics for its members. If you or a colleague knows of a location that will provide an auditorium for free or a nominal fee, you should contact the Education or Programs Directors located on the website.

If the price is reasonable and the location accessible; the association would love to provide educational programs in all of the boroughs.

  1. Why is the annual meeting always at the Hotel Pennsylvania?

Again, the association has held it there for many years but is certainly open to a different location if the price is right. If you know of a hotel that provides large conference rooms at a reasonable cost, contact the Education or Programs Directors.

  1. Why are the educational programs so expensive?

In reality, the programs tend to be reasonable compared to the state and national association fees charged for seminars, including audio. The association strives to provide interesting and relevant topics for members at reasonable prices but expenses such as food, rooms, materials, speakers, traveling and lodging for speakers must be taken into account.

  1. Do elected and appointed members of the HIMANYC Executive Council receive a salary?

No. The association is not-for-profit and all revenue earned goes directly back to the association. No monies are given to Executive Council members for the time they spend performing their duties. Members are reimbursed for any expenses they paid out of pocket when performing their duties.

  1. If I’m not getting paid for doing work as an Executive Council member, why should I become one?

There are several reasons why you should consider being a HIMANYC Executive Council member. First, you will benefit from the experience of working with a non-profit organization. Devoting time to further the profession always looks good on a resume and shows that you are a committed individual. It shows that you see the big picture when it comes to the profession. Second, it’s a wonderful way to network with HIM directors, coders, information systems, vendors, and speakers. This type of networking may land you a job in the future or provide a valuable resource for your current position. Finally, it’s important to give back to the profession. As a HIM professional you are part of a community, it’s important to keep that community vibrant.

  1. It always seems like the same people are on the Executive Council, why is that?

The short answer is that most likely it’s because other people have refused to run. The long answer is that they may not run for a variety of reasons (e.g. unaware of the requirements, limited time).

  1. What’s the difference between an elected member of the council and an appointed?

An elected member of the Executive Council is elected by the members of the association. An appointed member of the council is an individual who has been appointed by the incoming President and approved by the Executive Council. Elected positions include President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary, Programs, and Bylaws. Appointed members include Archivist, Website Coordinator, Public Relations, Editor, Legislative, Membership, Awards, Long Term Care, and Parliamentarian.

  1. How can I become an appointed or elected member of the Executive Council?

By contacting the Past-President, he or she is responsible for developing the ballot. Generally the ballot is sent to members in March and the elected and appointed individuals are sworn in at the annual meeting in May. If you are interested in running, you should contact the Past-President prior to this date. Be advised that you will have to be a member of AHIMA, NYHIMA, and HIMANYC and hold a HIM credential to be eligible.

  1. Can the Past-President keep me off the ballot?

No. The Past-President does not control who is or is not on the ballot. There is a Nominating Committee that will discuss each individual who has volunteered to run for a position. If the committee feels that a certain individual will not be able to perform the duties or work well with the other members, they may not be allowed on the ballot. Keep in mind that Executive Council members are not being paid for their effort and time.

  1. Can an elected or appointed member be removed from the Executive Council?

Yes. If an individual is disrupting or impeding the actions and or responsibilities of the Executive Council or its members, the Executive Council can vote to remove an individual from the council.

  1. Does HIMANYC have an office?

No. Each elected and appointed member performs their respective duties at the location of their choice. When the Executive Council schedules a meeting, it is generally at one of the member’s place of employment.