Important Notes

HIMSS Launches Chapter Support Program

With competing demands on your time, HIMSS wants to make it easy and efficient for Chapters to engage and operate effectively. That’s why the Society introduced a new robust Chapter program that brings pivotal events and resources to its local audiences through expanded benefits and services. The new Chapter Support Program is an important component in the HIMSS-Chapter collaboration.

Participation in the Chapter Support Program is optional; however, Chapters that participate in the enhanced Chapter Support Program receive additional benefits and services to help manage the day-to-day operations of their Chapter. There is a $5 per member fee to participate in the enhanced program.

If you are interested in participating or need more information, please e-mail chapters@himss.org. Have questions? Feel free to contact the Stephanie, Jessie or Jordan. Also, let us know if there is anything we can do to help foster this relationship now and in the future.

HIMSS08 Updates for Chapter Leaders

The 2008 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Orlando on Feb. 24-28 offers more opportunities for Chapter Leaders to build their businesses and network with today’s most powerful thought leaders and product innovators. Please see the HIMSS08 Chapter benefits below:

Chapter Leadership Workshop
Open to all Chapter Leaders, the Chapter Leadership Workshop on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 11 am to 4 pm, is designed to bring together Chapter Leaders and centralize their experiences. Chapter Leaders have the opportunity to interact via roundtable discussions and hear from a panel of HIMSS industry experts.

Discussion topics include:

• When do you go to Plan B? - Volunteers don’t seem to be doing their jobs and the Chapter isn’t achieving its initiatives for the year. What can you do? Learn how to use a gentle hand to let volunteers know they need to step up with diplomacy and grace.
• Innovation Recipients Share Their Successes - Hear from the Chapters that were recognized for their innovative, award-winning programs this year. Attendees learn about their successes and get great ideas to enhance their Chapter programs through open dialogue.
• Living on Easy Street: Tips and Tricks for Chapters - Learn how to make your Chapter run efficient and effectively. Discussions include keeping Web sites up-to-date, Chapter financials, sending out Chapter communications and more. You get tips and tricks from the successes of other Chapters and HIMSS staff.

The workshop is a great opportunity to meet other Chapter Leaders and share best practices as well. Register for the Chapter Leadership Workshop and encourage board members to register too.

Chapter Receptions
A number of Chapters host receptions in conjunction with the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition. HIMSS manages arranging the time and location, and any other special needs for Chapter receptions during conference. There is limited space for mid-day receptions and these are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a reception, please fill out the HIMSS08 Chapter Meeting Space Request Form. All requests must be received by Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Contact HIMSS Meeting Services Associate Manager Jaime Paton with questions.

The Communities Open House
The Communities Open House on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 4 pm to 5 pm allows HIMSS members who have not yet taken advantage of the benefits of Users Groups, Chapters, SIGs and Fellows to mix and mingle with these groups and their leaders in one location. As leaders of HIMSS communities, Chapter Leaders are invited to participate in this event and help the Society host it. The Communities Open House includes drinks, snacks and a raffle for many exciting prizes. Please be a representative of your Chapter and be present at a table to answer any questions and promote your Chapter’s activities. If your Chapter is interested in participating, register and contact HIMSS Member Services Coordinator Yvonne Horton with questions.

Registration Discount for Chapter Presidents
Chapter Presidents are entitled to a $100 discount on HIMSS08 registration. If the Chapter President will not be using the discount, it can be transferred to another board member. Contact chapters@himss.org for more information.

Central & North Florida Wins Chapter Reviewer Promotion

Earlier this year, HIMSS held a contest to see which local Chapter, based on its size, could become the most involved with the HIMSS Annual Conference educational review process. The competition was close, but the recipient of this year's Chapter Reviewer Promotion is the Central & North Florida Chapter (CFHIMSS). Congratulations to CFHIMSS President Susan Pouzar and members of the Chapter. As the Chapter with the highest percentage of 2008 reviewers, CFHIMSS receives:

• One complimentary Annual Conference registration to raffle off to its members
• Fifty-percent off registration for the HIMSS Virtual Conference & Expo
  for all CFHIMSS members
• Ten-percent off one item at HIMSS Central for all of CFHIMSS members
• A Chapter profile in Chapter Leader eNews
• Recognition at the HIMSS08 Communities Open House
• Points toward CFHIMSS members’ Senior and Fellow status
  upon their acceptance as a reviewer

For more information on HIMSS’ Annual Conference education review process, contact HIMSS Manager of Education Adam Bazer.

2007-2008 Chapter Leader Survey Released

The 2007-2008 Chapter Leader Survey was taken during the Chapter Leader Camp training this September and promoted to all Chapter Leaders throughout the fall. Many Chapter Leaders participated in the survey and contributed innovative ideas to improve and enhance the Chapter Leader resources and tools. To view Chapter Leader Survey results, visit the Chapter Leader Resource Site.

Congratulations to Steve Edison of the Northern California Chapter who is the survey raffle winner. He receives a HIMSS Digital MP3 player. Thank you to all Chapter Leaders who participated in the survey!

Tools & Resources

New Customized Marketing Materials Available

HIMSS wants to make promoting HIMSS and Chapter events as easy as possible. That’s why the Society created a set of professionally-designed, HIMSS-branded materials for Chapter Leaders to use to market upcoming events, attract new members, promote current programs and services, and provide general information about their Chapters. All of the marketing materials—brochures, fliers and postcards—are available for download online.

Once Chapters have customized the brochure, they can easily print them from their home computers or take them to a copy center and mail them to members or prospects.

HIMSS08 marketing materials are available for download online too. If you would like hard copies of HIMSS08 brochures or other marketing pieces, send an e-mail to HIMSS Marketing Manger Lynda Batchelor. Please include your name, Chapter, mailing address and quantity needed.

If you have any questions, contact chapters@himss.org.

New Legislative Tracking Tool for Chapter Advocates Introduced

In January, members of the Chapter Advocacy Liaison Roundtable (CALR) begin to receive e-mail notifications regarding healthcare IT legislation activity in their state. Each time a new bill is introduced, amended or passed in a state legislature, the appropriate CALR member receives an e-mail notification. The e-mail notifications will provide CALR members with up to date and accurate information to apply in their Chapter’s advocacy activities. This service is made possible through HIMSS State Government Relations and TrendTRACK, a legislative tracking service. If you have any questions regarding the HIT legislative e-mail notifications, contact HIMSS State Government Relations Manager K. Meredith Taylor.

Webinars: Learn About Strategic HIMSS Initiatives Online

HIMSS Organizational Affiliate Program Webinar
Jan. 29, 11:30 am CST
HIMSS Vice President of Healthcare Organizational Services Jack Price gives an overview of the new Organizational Affiliate program for healthcare organizations. Attend the webinar to learn all the new benefits and resources the Organizational Affiliate program offers to healthcare organizations and their staff members, and how this benefits HIMSS Chapters. RSVP to chapters@himss.org to register.

CPHIMS Webinar Available On Demand
Did you miss the recent CPHIMS Certification Webinar? No problem…HIMSS will provide you with the presentation. HIMSS Manager of Certification Julianna Kazragys provided an overview of the CPHIMS program and how it promotes healthcare information and management systems professionals by providing a national standard of knowledge. To learn how the CPHIMS Certification can provide benefits to your Chapter members, as well as how to bring CPHIMS contact hours and the actual exam to your Chapter meetings contact chapters@himss.org. If you have questions regarding the CPHIMS certification, contact certification@himss.org.

New HIMSS Membership Benefits Video Unveiled

HIMSS developed a new recruiting video for prospective members to show how healthcare IT and management professionals can benefit from HIMSS with career development, networking, certification and education. This new tool is helpful for membership growth efforts in both Chapters and HIMSS. Video footage was taken from HIMSS conferences, and, in particular, at the September Chapter Camp. View the new Membership Video online, and see fellow HIMSS Chapter Leaders promoting the values of HIMSS membership.

Chapter Spotlight

Inaugural Red Rock Chapter Event Brings New Members

On Nov. 14, HIMSS Analytics President Dave Garets presented Health IT Trends and Glimmers in Las Vegas to Nevada Red Rock Chapter members and several other local attendees. The inaugural program was a successful event and represented another milestone for one of the newest HIMSS Chapters. Dave's presentation awed the audience as he compared national trends to local statistics and applied no-nonsense knowledge to today's healthcare IT environment. He topped off the evening by drawing tickets for several door prizes and the Chapter also gained new and renewed members during the event.

HIMSS Updates

Apply to Serve on a HIMSS Steering Committee

Volunteers are the lifeblood of HIMSS. The committees represent the key strategic areas the Society addresses. Through the committees, many valuable and ground-breaking new case studies, checklists, white papers and step-by-step guides are developed.

At various times throughout the year, HIMSS seeks members of the Society interested in serving on a Committee. The next application process runs from Jan. 1-March 7, 2008 and the application posts on the HIMSS Web site at that time. The Society encourages any member of HIMSS, who is not currently serving in other leadership capacities within HIMSS, and has been a HIMSS member for the past 12 consecutive months, to consider applying for an appointment. In early May, participants are selected by the chair-elect of the HIMSS Board of Directors to serve a two-year term commencing July 1, 2008.

If you would like to become involved in a committee, but aren’t sure you’re ready for a formal two-year commitment, check out the more than 75 Task Forces and Work Groups currently underway. There is no application or selection process for either of these–any current HIMSS member is welcome to join at any time. Information on all of HIMSS’ volunteer groups is available online.

New Web Tool Generates Custom HIMSS08 Agendas

With more than 300 educational sessions and nearly 900 exhibitors expected at the 2008 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, it can be overwhelming for attendees as they plan their daily agendas for HIMSS08. To make this process more manageable, HIMSS launched MyHIMSS08, an online filtering tool, which allows attendees to explore educational sessions, and potential products and services that exclusively match their area of interest or job role prior to conference.

How does it work? Attendees simply select an area of interest or job role from the list of categories on the HIMSS08 homepage. After one mouse-click, MyHIMSS08 creates a customized conference agenda for attendees. MyHIMSS08 organizes all relevant pre-conference and educational sessions by day, as well as recommends potential products and services to observe while walking the exhibit floor. Social networking events are added to MyHIMSS08 as they are announced.

To put MyHIMSS08 to work and create a personalized conference agenda, visit www.himssconference.org.

HIMSS State Government Relations Holds Educational Session

On Jan. 24, 2008 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, HIMSS State Government Relations holds an educational session, HIT 101, for state officials and their staff. The educational session takes place via a Web conference call.

The purpose of the educational session is to educate participants on healthcare IT activities throughout the United States and how they can play a role in transforming healthcare through IT in their state. The educational session includes an overview of HIT from HIMSS Senior Director of Privacy and Security Lisa Gallagher; an overview of the national HIT landscape from HIMSS Vice President of Government Affairs Dave Roberts; an update on state HIT activities from HIMSS Senior Director of State Government Relations Tom Keefe; and an overview of how states can play a role in furthering the use of HIT by Director of the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System Anthony Rogers.

HIMSS State Government Relations requests a leader from each HIMSS Chapter listen-in on the Web conference call. If you would like information on how to access the call, please contact HIMSS State Government Relations Manager K. Meredith Taylor.

CEO IT Achievement Award Nominations Open January

The annual CEO IT Achievement Award recognizes one or more healthcare industry CEOs who demonstrate leadership and commitment to using IT to advance their healthcare organization's strategic goals. The recipient(s) are profiled in Modern Healthcare magazine and also honored at a VIP event during HIMSS Summit. The 2008 Call for Nominations opens in January. Visit the HIMSS Web site for more information on eligibility and criteria.

Member Spotlight

HIMSS wants to keep Chapter Leaders updated on the professional achievements of their Chapter Members. Member Spotlight recognizes newly advanced or Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems-certified (CPHIMS-certified) members along with their corresponding Chapter. Please congratulate your fellow Chapter members or colleagues.

Congratulations CPHIMS recipients!

Rosemarie B. Almonte- Virginia Chapter
Kermit S. Randa- Georgia Chapter
Terri Ripley- Virginia Chapter

To join this elite group and see a full listing of certificants, visit www.himss.org/getcertified to learn more about the CPHIMS certification program.

Congratulations newly advanced members!

Fellow Members:
Ari Entin, FHIMSS- South Florida Chapter   
Willa Fields, RN, DNSc, FHIMSS- Southern California Chapter
Debe Gash, CPHIMS, FHIMSS- Heart of America Chapter
Matthew Grob, CPHIMS, FHIMSS- New York State Chapter
Christopher Harris, FHIMSS- New York State Chapter
Scott Holbrook, FHIMSS- Utah Chapter
Brian Mattson, FHIMSS- Southern California Chapter
Monte Prentice, MS, CPHIMS, FHIMSS- Washington State Chapter
George Sheth, FHIMSS- Southern California Chapter

Senior Members:
J. Mark Harvey, MS, CPHIMS- Central and Southern Ohio Chapter    
Blair Hedgepeth- Virginia Chapter
Matthew Wyatt, CPHIMS- Alabama Chapter

For more information, visit Member Advancement online.

Upcoming Events

View all upcoming Chapter events.

MS-HUG Tech Forum 2008
Feb. 24, 2008
Orlando, Fla.
The MS-HUG Tech Forum 2008 is the place to connect with Microsoft experts, colleagues and top thought leaders in an interactive, one-day forum.

HIMSS08
Feb. 24-28, 2008
Orlando, Fla.
HIMSS08 is the place to learn from industry thought leaders through 300-plus educational sessions, explore an exhibition of 900-plus leading HIT vendors demonstrating breakthrough solutions and network with 25,000 HIT professionals at special events.

Community for Connected Health Summit
Feb. 25, 2008
Orlando, Fla.
The Connected Health Community Summit brings together the power of like-minded users and Cisco experts in a single forum of networking, educational opportunities and best-practice sharing like no other.

HIMSS AsiaPac08 Conference & Exhibition
May 20-23
Hong Kong
Stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region will convene in Hong Kong to exchange knowledge, showcase successful strategies and share practical solutions to healthcare IT challenges. Register to receive e-mail program updates at www.himssasiapac.org.

Chapter Events