Health Information Management
Association of Australia Ltd
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
(HIM) COMPETENCY STANDARDS
Version 1
AUGUST 2001
© 2001 HIMAA
Edited by Helen Cooper, Chairperson.
Developed by the HIMAA Education Committee
Published by the Health Information Management Association of Australia Ltd
Locked Bag 2045, North Ryde, NSW 1670
Phone: +61 2 9887 5001 Fax: +61 2 9887 5895 E-Mail: himaa@himaa.org.au
www.himaa.org.au
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
(HIM) COMPETENCY STANDARDS
CONTENTS
Page
Why the HIMAA maintains professional competencies
3
Brief of the HIMAA Education Committee in the development of the competencies
3
How to use this document
5
Acknowledgements
5
Domain A:
Generic professional skills
6
Domain B:
Health care delivery
8
Domain C:
Clinical terminology and classification systems
9
Domain D:
Research methodology and statistics
10
Domain E:
Health care evaluation
11
Domain F:
Management
12
Domain G:
Information Technology
14
Domain H:
Health information system concepts and processes
15
Why the HIMAA Maintains Professional Competencies
Under its terms of reference, the Education Committee of the Health Information Management
Association of Australia (HIMAA) has been delegated responsibility to:
 ‘Oversee the development and continued refinement of competency standards for
health information managers and others working in health information management
services.
 Recommend the adoption of competency standards for health information managers
and others working in health information management services’. 1
The implications of this process of developing professional competencies are significant. For
example,
 it focuses attention on re-defining the role(s) of the HIM and provides an opportunity
to position the profession for the future.
 it raises challenges for how required competencies are to be attained - impacting not
only on the curricula of the entry-level undergraduate and postgraduate university
programs, but also on the requirements to develop and deliver ongoing competencybased professional development to practising HIM professionals.
The HIMAA has previously been involved in the development of competency standards
impacting on the HIM profession.
 Clinical Coder National Competency Standards and Assessment Guide was
published by the National Coder Workforce Issues Project of the HIMAA in 1996.
 HIMAA was represented on the National Records & Archives Competency Standards
Steering Committee that produced nationally endorsed cross-industry Records &
Archives Competency Standards in 1997.
Brief of the HIMAA Education Committee in the development of the competencies
The development and endorsement of the competencies is a singularly significant and
considerable undertaking. A primary driving force motivating the project is to ensure that the
content of the tertiary programs represents not only the professional skills and attributes
currently required of new graduates but also those anticipated skills and knowledge
requirements of graduates for sometime into the future. The University programs look to this
professional association to provide leadership and advice on what is expected with respect to
workplace skills both now and into the future so that course design and content can be
developed to meet these generic requirements.
This project was initially focused on developing generic competencies for entry-level
practitioners - ie. new graduates from recognised tertiary programs offered by the following four
universities:
 School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology
 School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria
 School of Health Information Management, Faculty of Health Sciences,
The University of Sydney
 Department of Health Information Management, School of Public Health,
Curtin University of Technology, WA
In recent times the need for an endorsed set of professional competencies came to the fore
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during the course accreditation process. The Education Committee uses the professional
competencies to review the course curricula to ensure that the curriculum content addresses
the competencies. The competencies that had been applied to the accreditation process had
been developed in 1991 and had not been substantially updated through the two cycles of
accreditation. The University programs however had undergone substantial change in 8 years.
The course curricula contained material that is important but unrepresented by the original
competency list. A relevant and contemporary set of competencies allows the Education
Committee to more objectively assess the various programs submitting to the accreditation
process.
The Education Committee has discussed the parameters of the Competencies Project with
recognition that there is the potential to extend the project to formal recognition of the
competencies by appropriate national entities. However the reality is that neither the
Committee nor the HIMAA currently has the resources for an undertaking of this extent.
Therefore for the time being it is not proposed that the Competencies be applied beyond the
following purposes:
 That the tertiary programs use the entry-level competencies as the basis of course
curriculum design and it is against this curriculum content that the programs are accredited
by the Association
 As a guide for employers as to the 'skill-set' an employer can expect as a minimum of a new
graduate
It is not intended that the competencies would be used to measure workplace performance. In
particular, the entry-level competencies are generic whereas workplace position descriptions
may be quite specific. Employee performance measuring tools are the jurisdiction of the
workplace and may be governed by employer policies and/or legislative requirements.
Further it is not intended that the competencies would result in a single national curriculum for
programs in health information management. The competencies communicate to the Course
Co-ordinators what the profession requires of new graduates. How the tertiary programs teach
and develop these skills in students is the province of the programs.
Throughout the project a recurrent issue has been the need to recognise and define
professional competencies beyond the entry-level graduate. With ongoing technological
advances and changes to the health system and work practices, it has been acknowledged that
practising HIM professionals need to be accommodated in the competency framework.
Therefore the Committee has considered competencies for intermediate and advanced
practitioners. Whilst these competencies would still provide a guide for employers, the
Committee's primary intention for this component of the framework was to identify professional
continuing education needs. In an ideal world, these intermediate and advanced competencies
provide the framework for the development of post-graduate programs and HIMAA continuing
education initiatives.
The development and on-going enhancement of professional competencies provides the
profession with the opportunity to inform various third parties (eg Universities and employers) of
the skills and knowledge that are required, particularly of new graduates. Competencies
provide the profession with the mechanism to formally feedback to the University programs the
level and nature of skills that graduates require to function in the workplace. The challenge in
developing a set of competencies is to articulate what should be rather than describe what is.
HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT
The competencies are organised according to the following structure:
 Domain - a broad theme or branch of learning
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 Unit - a particular topic or focus within a domain
 Entry-level elements - specific competency statements for entry-level/beginning
professionals
 Intermediate elements - specific competency statements for intermediate or
experienced professionals
 Advanced elements - specific competency statements for advanced, expert and
specialised professionals
The elements relate specifically to the unit and the unit relates specifically to the domain.
For example,
Domain E - Health Care Evaluation
Unit E2 - Utilization and Resource Management
Entry-level element E2.1E Retrieve data from information systems
for utilization and resource management studies.
Is interpreted as 'Able to retrieve data from information systems for utilization and
resource management studies as a function of healthcare evaluation'
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the development of this document the HIMAA acknowledges the contributions made by
Tracey Kemp and Fiona Carine. In particular the HIMAA acknowledges the American Health
Information Management Association's permission to use the AHIMA Professional
Competencies document as a primary source document.
Chairperson: Helen Cooper
HIMAA Education Committee
The HIMAA National Board would like to thank Helen Cooper, the Education Committee and all
the members who contributed to this project. There has been considerable consultation in it's
development, and many hours spent refining each edition of the draft leading to this edition.
Health Information Management Association of Australia Ltd
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HEATH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
DOMAIN A : GENERIC PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
UNIT
A1
Written communication
A2
Oral Communication and
Presentation
A3
Interpersonal Communication
A4
Motivation
Entry-level
A1.1E Have a good command of grammar and the
style or tone necessary for written business
communication.
A1.2E Organise material logically and write in a
clear, concise manner.
A1.3E Write documents for intra/interdepartmental use.
A1.4 E Improve written communications with
effective use of graphics.
A2.1E Communicate information in a clear,
concise, logical and confident manner.
A2.2 E Readily adjusts to changing environments
and expectations.
A2.3 E Actively seeks to learn effective
communication techniques.
A2.4 E Create simple presentations using
multimedia.
A3.1E Establish good relationships with peers,
subordinates and management by correctly
interpreting both verbal and non-verbal cues.
A3.2 E Understand cultural diversity and exhibit
tolerance for personal differences.
(Personal, Professional, Organisational and
Environmental)
Advanced
A1.7A Establish a communication mechanism that
ensures the right people (both organisation
employees and patients) get the right
information at the right time.
A2.5I Lead in the preparation and delivery of
effective speeches and presentations.
A2.6 I Establish group rapport.
A2.7 I Tactfully handle diverse audiences,
complex topics, challenging questions,
etc.
A2.8A Establish the overall tone, content and style
of a presentation.
A2.9 A Enhance presentations and speeches by
incorporating personal experiences and
anecdotes.
A2.10A Serve as a key speaker for the
organisation in information-related issues.
A3.3 I Build and keep a network of contacts
that can provide information or resources.
A3.4 I Recognise others’ skills and
contributions while learning from them.
A3.5A Establish visibility and credibility with top
decision-makers and ‘players’ in the
organisation.
A3.6 A Identify potential problems and issues and
negotiate solutions.
A3.7A Detect ‘hidden’ opportunities to enhance
services to the organisation.
A4.4 Have thorough knowledge of and employ
motivation strategies that lead to empowered
and self-directed employees.
A4.5 Implement effective reward systems that are
linked to performance.
A4.6 Remove obstacles and provide tools,
educational programs, and adequate work
environment to develop team members’
potential and inspire high performance.
A5.4 A Identify opportunities by staying abreast of
developments in the healthcare industry and
take the appropriate actions.
A5.5A Communicate these ideas and sponsor
others who may carry them out.
A5.6AMarket the HIM profession in innovative
ways.
A4.1E Self-motivated to perform work or assigned
tasks to meet performance expectations.
A4.2I Role model ‘initiative’ and ‘self-start’
attitude to others.
A4.3 I Motivate others toward common goals
of the area by setting clear objectives,
matching needs and wants of employees
with tasks, ensuring objectives are
attainable and giving rewards for
increased effort.
A5.1E Volunteer for tasks outside of the normal
duties.
A5.2 E Perform these tasks to a high degree of
excellence.
A5.3IRecognise an opportunity from
conversations or passing comments and
take the appropriate actions, including
gaining sponsorship (leveraging past
successes) for ideas.
(Personal and Professional)
A5
Opportunity Optimisation
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
A1.5I Appropriately edit written
communications.
A1.6 I Write complex documents that may
include points of contention or other
perspectives in a clear, concise manner.
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DOMAIN A : GENERIC PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
UNIT
A6
Teamwork
(within the work unit)
A7
Cross-Functional Perspective
Entry-level
A6.1E Actively participate in team process.
A6.2E Give input to the team’s work.
A6.3 E Recognise the skills that make an effective
team member.
A6.4 E Adapt to new team situations.
A6.5E Deal with other disciplines and functions.
A7.1E Actively participate in cross-functional
teams.
(Participation in and contribution to multidisciplinary teams)
A8
Ethical Behaviour
A9
Problem Solving
A10
Decision-Making
A8.1E Understand the ethical tenets of the HIM
profession and act in an ethical manner.
A8.2E Refuse to participate in unethical acts or to
conceal unethical or illegal acts of others.
A9.1E Identify an existing problem and make
recommendations for resolution and
prevention.
A9.2 E Understand and utilise various problemsolving tools.
A10.1E Gather, organise and summarise data;
establish logical connections among diverse
data to clarify problems and opportunities.
A10.2E Understand and use decision-making tools
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
A6.6I Take the lead in team building and
facilitate team process.
A6.7I Recognise and effectively manage
conflict.
A6.8I Identify and utilise expertise of team
members or function areas to achieve
goals.
A6.9I Anticipate potential problems and work
with team members to define potential
solutions.
A7.2I Identify and propose improvements in
operational efficiency and participate in
the design and implementation of crossfunctional teams.
A7.3I Manage information about crossfunctional teams and develop effective
working relationships.
A9.3I Apply principles from past experience to
solve a current problem.
A9.4I Create and apply innovative problemsolving methods and approaches.
A9.5I Draw from seemingly unrelated
experiences to creatively analyse and
solve a unique problem.
A10.3I Interpret data and arrive at a
conclusion.
A10.4I Analyse complex and abstract
transactions.
A10.5I Assimilate data from different sources
or data types.
A10.6I Identify critical elements in complex
data.
A10.7I Recognise when additional expertise is
needed.
A10.8I State a viewpoint and support it with
evidence
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Advanced
A6.10A Set purpose of team's project and tasks.
A6.11A Build consensus across functional areas
about team goals, actions, tactics and
required resources.
A6.12A Ensure team strategies remain aligned
with project needs/goals.
A7.4A Continually promote to upper management
opportunities for improvement and
recommend implementation of interdepartmental teams.
A7.5A Understand and communicate financial and
non-financial issues across functions.
A7.6A Support ongoing maintenance of crossfunctional relationships.
A8.3A Advocate for the ethical use of health
information.
A8.4 A Model the tenets of the profession’s Code
of Ethics.
A9.6A Direct multiple complex problem-solving
efforts concurrently to resolve problem
drawing from extensive knowledge of
available resources, body of knowledge and
content.
A10.9A Demonstrate thorough understanding of
all perspectives related to an issue or
problem.
A10.10A Employ appropriate decision-making
techniques (such as arriving at consensus,
brainstorming and nominal group technique)
and facilitate processes for effective group
decision making.
DOMAIN A : GENERIC PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
UNIT
A11
Knowledge Management
Entry-level
A11.1E Readily utilise literature search databases.
A11.2E Identify and find URLs relevant to a topic.
A12
Continuing Professional
Development
A12.1E Recognise trends and current events (ie.
Political, technological, demographic, etc.)
that may impact health information services.
A12.2E Involvement and participation in
professional activities.
A13 Social Responsibility
A13.1E Use organisational resources with
responsibility and accountability.
A13.2E Minimise waste and environmental harm.
A13.3E Recognise and respect the rights of health
care consumers.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
A11.3I Narrow and broaden literature and
other searches utilising appropriate
techniques.
A11.4I Use a variety of search engines or
other methods to access information on
the Internet.
A11.5I Creatively search for knowledge based
information, often venturing beyond
published literature.
A11.6I Develop communication network to
ensure they are kept informed of
developments impacting on their area of
employment.
A12.3I Interpret and apply information about
trends (ie. political, technological,
demographic, etc.) which may impact
health information services.
Advanced
A12.4A Synthesise and forecast future health
information service needs based on broad
political, technological, demographic and
other trends.
A12.5A Contribute to Health Information policy
development and implementation
DOMAIN B : HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
UNIT
B1
Australian Healthcare System
(ie. acute care, outpatient, hospital-in-thehome, sub-acute, community-based health
services, hospice, GP practice,
occupational health, etc.). This skill does
not have to apply to all healthcare delivery
systems.
Entry-level
B1.1E Demonstrate understanding of the structure
and function of the Australian healthcare
system and the role of health information
management in this system.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
B1.2I Interpret laws, accreditation, regulation
and certification standards that pertain to
health information services.
B1.3I Proactively monitor and communicate
health information-related changes in
laws, accreditation, regulation and
certification standards to other people in
the facility.
B1.4I Monitor trends in the evolution of the
healthcare delivery systems to forecast
the impact upon health information
systems.
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Advanced
B1.5A Implement health information-related
changes in laws, accreditation, regulation and
certification standards.
DOMAIN C : CLINICAL TERMINOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
UNIT
C1
Clinical Terminologies and
Medical Vocabularies




Disease and disease processes
Operations, procedures and treatment
Pharmacology
Pathology, Radiology, Clinical
Measurements and other special
clinical investigations
Entry-level
C1.1E Can accurately use the clinical
terminologies or medical vocabularies utilised
in the organisation’s various information
systems.
C1.2E Familiar with and can accurately use
medical terminology in conversation with
health care professionals and others.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
C1.3I Recognise information systems that are
not using a clinical terminology or
medical vocabulary, but which might
benefit from such use.
C1.4 I Maintain (additions, deletions, etc.) a
clinical terminology or medical
vocabulary.
C2
Clinical Coding
C2.1E Accurately assign ICD-10-AM codes as per
the HIMAA Coding Competency Standards.
C2.2E Be able to adapt to other classification
systems (eg. ICD-10-AM, DSM-IV, ICD-O,
SNOMED, etc.) used in the facility.
C2.3I Accurately assign ICD-10-AM codes as
per the HIMAA Coding Competency
Standards for Intermediate Level
Certification
C3
Managing a Coding System and
Coding Data Quality
C3.1E Be able to explain and use coding quality
monitoring tools.
C3.2E Participate in coding quality audits.
C3.3E Identify problems or issues from audit and
suggest solutions.
C3.5E Establish appropriate conversion tables for
regular coding system changes (ie. map ‘old’
codes to ‘new’ codes for longitudinal coding
reports).
C3.6E Ensure compliance with updates to
classification systems.
C3.7E Able to articulate knowledge of the
organisation's clinical coding system
C4.1E Utilise structures and logic when applying
classification and grouping systems, such as
AR-DRGs, AN-SNAP, MH-CASC.
C4.2E Able to use casemix software appropriately
C4.3E Identify inappropriate grouping
C4.4E Validate assignment based on an
understanding of classification and grouping
system structures and logic.
C4.5E Ensure compliance with classification and
grouping system updates.
C3.7I Assist in developing organisation-coding
policy.
C3.8I Train coding personnel in clinical
classification policies, standards and
updates.
C3.9I Perform coding audits.
C4
Casemix Classification
C4.6I Assist in developing organisation
policies.
C4.7I Establish appropriate conversion tables
for regular classification and grouping
system changes (ie. mapping ‘old’ DRGs
to ‘new’ DRGs).
C4.8I Train coding personnel in grouping and
classification system updates.
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Advanced
C1.5A Develop a clinical terminology or medical
vocabulary or evaluate existing ones for use
in a specific application.
C1.6 A Proactively monitors the current
developments in the field of clinical
terminologies and medical vocabularies.
C1.7A Recommend unique uses for clinical
terminologies and medical vocabularies.
C2.4A Validate the coding accuracy of the
appropriate systems in a variety of settings
using clinical information found in the health
record.
C2.5A Accurately assign ICD-10-AM codes as per
the HIMAA Coding Competency Standards
for Advanced Level Certification
C3.10A Reconcile health insurers' and funders'
coding requirements with coding standards
and guidelines from the NCCH.
C3.11A Use coded data for organisation strategic
planning/reporting.
C3.12A Develop clinical classification educational
programs for a variety of users.
C3.13A Proactively monitor developments in
coding systems, preparing organisation for
implementation of changes.
C3.14A Be able to use new technologies and
processes to improve the accuracy and
timeliness of coding.
C4.9A Analyse the organisation’s classification
and grouping system assignment trends.
C4.10A Use data from classification and grouping
systems to assist in decision-making.
C4.11A Develop organisation classification and
grouping policies.
C4.12A Develop grouping and classification
systems educational programs for a variety of
users.
C4.13A Provide expert advice in the selection of
appropriate classification and grouping
software.
DOMAIN C : CLINICAL TERMINOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
UNIT
C5
Payment/Funding Models and
Processes
Entry-level
C5.1E Follow guidelines and understand that
coding and billing for patient services must
be substantiated by documentation.
C5.2E Apply payment/funding processes pertinent
to professional setting.
C5.3E Assist in the organisation’s billing process.
C5.4E Assist with audits and quality checks for
payment/funding processes
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
C5.5I Be able to teach other healthcare
professionals about classification
systems and their use in
funding/payment systems.
C5.6I Interpret payment/funding models.
C5.7I Investigate health plan payment denials.
C5.8I Assist in payment/funding contract
management activities.
C5.9I Perform audits and quality checks for
payment/funding processes
Advanced
C5.10A Analyse using payment/funding data and
recommend pro-active response within health
information services for decision support.
C5.11A Monitor and measure trends related to
payment/funding systems.
C5.12A Analyse payment rates to assure accurate
and appropriate payment/funding.
DOMAIN D : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS
UNIT
D1
Research Methods
D2
Statistical Data Analysis
D3
Data Presentation Techniques
Entry-level
D1.1E Differentiate between research
methodologies when presented with them in
articles, papers or presentations.
D1.2E Interpret and apply research findings to
novel situations.
D1.3E Critique research papers and
presentations.
D2.1E Identify sources of, and collect data for,
vital and descriptive statistics and when they
are each utilised.
D2.2E Perform data integrity checks on data
sources.
D3.1E Present data in summary form using tables,
graphs and diagrams.
D3.2E Understand the data when it is presented
utilising these techniques.
D3.3E Produce the appropriate tables, graphs and
diagrams (selecting which is best) utilising
spreadsheet, statistical and graphical
software.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
D1.4I Participate in the selection of research
methodologies when appropriate.
Advanced
D1.5A Develop original research, including
designing a data collection tool, performing
focus studies to determine scope of research,
and selecting a valid and reliable research
methodology.
D1.6A Publish research-based papers.
D2.3I Perform statistical analyses
D2.4A Perform quality reviews of statistical
analyses.
D2.5A Accomplish statistical reliability and validity
analyses.
D3.4I Make recommendations about which is
the best technique for the given situation.
D3.5A Creatively use various data presentation
techniques to efficiently and effectively
present data to heterogeneous audiences.
D3.6A Tailor the presentation techniques
depending on upon the composition of the
audience.
D3.7A Use accepted presentation methods to
support position.
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DOMAIN E : HEALTH CARE EVALUATION
UNIT
E1
Quality Assessment and
Performance Measures
E2
Utilisation and Resource
Management
E3
Risk Management
E4
Benchmarking
E5
Accreditation and Voluntary
Standards Organisations
(eg Australian Standards Association,
hospital, community and primary care
accreditation standards)
Entry-level
E1.1E Retrieve data from information systems for
quality assessment and performance studies.
E1.2E Assist in creating quality management
reports.
E1.3E Conduct quality assessment studies.
E1.4E Report results of quality assessment
studies.
E1.5E Identify data sources for performance
measurement data.
E1.6E Create patient care and performance
profiles in accordance with regulatory and
accreditation standards.
E1.7E Understand and apply quality principles and
theory
E2.1E Retrieve data from information systems for
utilisation and resource management studies.
E2.2E Report results of utilisation and resource
management studies.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
E1.8I Benchmark patient care processes and
outcomes with institutional performance
standards.
E2.3I Utilizing data from patient records and
analyse clinical data to identify trends.
E2.4 I Assist in investigating the cause of
under- and over-utilisation of patient care
resources.
E3.1E Retrieve data from information systems for
risk management studies.
E3.2E Report results of risk management studies.
E4.1E Identify and apply appropriate sources of
comparative or benchmarking data.
E4.2E Interpret results of analyses on comparative
or benchmarking data and create reports of
the analyses.
E3.3I Develop HIS reporting processes to
support the organisation's Risk
Management Program
E4.3I Translate results into questions and
recommendations
E5.1E Have general knowledge and familiarity with
the current requirements of accrediting
bodies.
E5.2E Have a general knowledge of voluntary
standards.
E5.3E Interpret and apply specific accrediting
body requirements within a professional
context.
E5.4I Assist in preparing for survey, including
conducting pre-survey evaluations as
appropriate.
E5.5I Interpret and apply voluntary standards
where appropriate
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Advanced
E1.9A Facilitate and maintain organisation-wide
quality assessment and/or performance
management program.
E1.10A Design quality management studies using
research techniques.
E1.11A Use quality improvement tools and
techniques to improve clinical processes.
E1.12A Develop organisation-wide quality
assessment policies.
E1.13A Develop educational programming in
quality assessment techniques.
E2.5A Organise and maintain organisation-wide
utilization management program.
E2.6A Determine the appropriateness of patient
care activities using clinician approved
criteria.
E2.7A Develop educational programming
regarding utilisation and resource
management issues.
E2.8A Develop and maintain the organisation’s
utilization and resource management
policies.
E2.9A Use trends and benchmarks to evaluate
organisation performance.
E2.10A Analyze utilization data pertinent to
contract negotiations.
E4.4A Perform complex analyses and
interpretations of comparative or
benchmarking data and create reports as
necessary.
E4.5A Perform metadata analyses when
appropriate.
E5.6A Develop the plan to demonstrate
professional service compliance with
accrediting requirements.
E5.7A Assume lead role to ensure organisationwide adherence to the appropriate
requirements.
DOMAIN F : MANAGEMENT
UNIT
F1
Meeting Management
F2
Compliance with Legislation and
Regulatory Requirements
F3
Human Resources Management :
Recruitment and Selection
F4
Human Resources Management :
Entry-level
F1.1E Identify objectives and prepare an agenda.
F1.3 E Understand and apply meeting
management and group decision-making
techniques.
F2.1E Apply Commonwealth, State and Territory
legislation and regulations, including privacy
legislation to the management of health
information.
F2.2E Apply Commonwealth, State and Territory
legislation and regulations to the work
environment including EEO and Occupational
Health and Safety.
F2.3E Apply Commonwealth, State and Territory
policies with regards to the management of
health information and the management of
the workplace.
F2.4E Apply compliance requirements.
F2.5E Apply regulations, especially in regards to
hazardous substances and ergonomic work
environments and occupational health and
safety.
F3.1E Ability to recruit, interview, and select
employees necessary to support health
information services in line with organisation
policy and process.
F4.1E Manage staff within a job area or function
F4.2E Conduct performance appraisals
Performance Appraisal and Staff
Management
F5
Human Resources Management :
Staff Training and Development
F5.1E Train staff to perform specific job functions.
F5.2E Assist in developing educational programs
for a variety of learners and purposes.
F5.3E Deliver portions of a structured educational
program session.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
F1.4I Understand and interpret group
dynamics.
F1.5I Conduct meetings using the most
current and appropriate media and
processes.
F1.6I Enhance participants’ contributions in
developing creative solutions.
F2.6I Interpret Commonwealth, State and
Territory legislation and regulations, and
write policy and procedures for health
information and other areas, as
appropriate, which meet the legal
requirements and standards.
F2.7I Ensure compliance as needed.
F2.8I Train staff regarding their workplace
obligations eg handling patient
information
F3.2 I Perform operational assessments
(scheduling) to determine staffing skill
mix required to support the health
information service within an
organisation.
F3.3I Develop staffing policies and procedures
to meet operational demands.
F3.4I Perform job analysis and develop
competency-based job descriptions.
F4.3I Manage employees across a variety of
job functions.
F4.4I Develop a performance appraisal
system.
F4.5I Apply workable solutions to staff
discipline and conflict issues.
F5.4I Design program, policy and procedures
to support departmental staff educational
programs.
F5.5I Assess the education needs of potential
learners.
F5.6I Develop various educational programs
within the work environment.
F5.7I Independently deliver both structured
and unstructured educational programs.
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Advanced
F1.7A Synthesise and summarise relevant points
from ambiguous discussions.
F1.8A Create mutually beneficial solutions for
participants.
F2.9A Monitor changes in legal requirements and
initiate the appropriate organisational
response to ensure policy and practice
compliance.
F2.10A Ensure organisation-wide compliance with
the necessary laws and regulations,
F2.11A Develop organisation-wide compliance
education and monitoring program.
F3.5A Define staffing skill sets and make
recommendations for administrative
decisions to appropriately staff and organise
health information services to support
healthcare delivery systems.
F3.6A Proficient in human resources policies and
industrial laws and utilises creative and
appropriate methods, including technology,
for recruitment.
F4.6A Conduct contract negotiations.
F4.7A Utilize creative and non-traditional models
of management, including out-sourcing, when
appropriate.
F5.8A Design, implement, budget for, and justify
adequate resources to support ongoing staff
educational programs and development.
F5.9A Develop organisation-wide effective staff
rewards and recognition processes.
F5.10A Utilise a variety of media and educational
program materials in innovative ways to
deliver efficient and effective educational
programs both within/outside of the work
environment.
F5.11A Evaluate education programs.
DOMAIN F : MANAGEMENT
UNIT
F6
Work processes and flows
F7
Entrepreneurial Skills
Entry-level
F6.1E Apply general principles of management
(planning, organising, controlling, decisionmaking and leading) to the key process and
functional areas in the Health Information
Service.
F6.2E Develop goals and objectives within the
context of the mission and vision statements
for the Health Information Service. (for key
functional areas)
F7.1E Within a unit, identify ways to improve
processes, new services or products.
F7.2E Assist in developing an implementation plan
for new services or products.
F8
Strategic Planning
F8.1E Understand the principles of planning.
F8.2E Develop strategic goals within functional
areas of the Health Information Service.
F9
Financial Management
F9.1E Have an understanding of basic accounting
principles, processes and procedures.
F9.2E Have an understanding of budgeting
methods.
F9.3E Have a broad understanding of financial
management in health care including the
funding of health care services.
F10.1E Identify project participants.
F10.2E Construct a project time-line.
F10.3E Manage project task and time-line
revisions.
F11.1E Recognise a need for change and gather
and interpret data needed to assess problem.
F11.2E Understand role and actively participate in
implementation of change.
F11.3E Contribute feedback and input to the
evaluation and monitoring of change process.
F10
Project Management
F11
Change Management
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
F6.3I Design workflow processes for each key
functional area of professional context.
F7.3I Develop an implementation plan for new
services or products.
F7.4I Secure support for business plan.
F8.3I Have detailed knowledge of health
information services and customer needs
to be able to integrate budgets within the
strategic plan.
F8.4I Write, implement, monitor and evaluate
goals and objectives that fit within the
strategic plan of the area.
F9.4I Prepare a budget.
F9.5I Manage operations within a budget.
F9.6I Understand and interpret the three major
financial statements, namely balance
sheet, profit and loss statement and the
cash flow statement.
Advanced
F6.4 A Plan, design physical layout, justify staffing
levels, develop policies and procedures, and
establish budget for services within the
Health Information Service.
F6.5A Develop the mission and vision statements
for professional context.
F6.6A Develop goals and objectives within the
context of the mission and vision statements
for the organisation.
F7.5A Identify those new services and products
that are likely to be most successful for the
organisation.
F7.6A Develop an implementation plan for new
services or products for the organisation.
F8.5A Participate in the organisation-wide
strategic planning process.
F8.6A Understand the organisation and identify its
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
threats, mission and critical success factors.
F9.7A Perform cost-benefit analysis and utilise
advanced financial tools to justify services,
products and staffing required to support
operations and projects.
F9.8A Utilize budget and financial tools in
negotiations with vendors.
F10.4I Manage an entire project from start to
finish, including the budget.
F10.5A Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
F11.4I Anticipate the need for, and understand
the nature of, change.
F11.5I Builds support and create a work
environment that welcomes change.
F11.6I Participate in the planning for change
and effectively implement change
process.
F11.7I Elicit support for change
implementation and provide a work
environment of minimal resistance to
change.
F11.8A Look for opportunities for change.
F11.9A Initiate plan/response to internal and
external pressures for change
F11.10A Act as a change agent.
F11.11A Proficient in change implementation
process.
F11.12A Write plans of implementation.
F11.13A Evaluate and modify plan as needed.
F11.14A Champion change process by building
support and a positive work environment that
will reduce resistance to change.
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DOMAIN F : MANAGEMENT
UNIT
Entry-level
F12.1E Advise work units within the organisation
regarding HIM-related issues, including data
management, data security, data
confidentiality, etc.
F12.2E Work with outside consultants hired by the
organisation.
F12
Consulting
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
F12.3I Manage the relationship between
internal customers and an external
consultant.
F12.4I Actively market HIM services and
position it as the centre of informationrelated services (vs technology services
of information systems).
F12.5I Manage a multi-disciplinary project (onsite).
F12.6I Have responsibility for the full final
report and recommendations.
Advanced
F12.7A Develop strategies for building
relationships internally and externally.
F12.8A Manage the hiring of outside consultants
and ensure that the scope of the
work/deliverables is appropriate to the
organisation’s strategic plan.
F12.9A Ensure that the priorities of other
departments are addressed.
F12.10A Oversee and manage multiple ongoing
projects.
F12.11A Run self-consulting services.
DOMAIN G : INFORMATION TECHOLOGY
UNIT
G1
Computer Concepts
G2
Personal Computers
Entry-level
G1.1E Familiar with the types of hardware and
software, including operating systems, in use
for professional area.
G1.2E Analyse and evaluate the different types of
hardware and software necessary in
professional environment.
G2.1E Operate a PC with word-processing,
spreadsheet, presentation, Internet, database
and e-mail applications.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
G2.2I Familiar with and understand PC
specifications.
G2.3I Install, uninstall and upgrade software.
G2.4I Trouble-shoot problems via the manual
or a help line.
G2.5I Use advanced features of wordprocessing, spreadsheet, presentation,
database and e-mail applications.
G2.6I Develop training programs for core
software applications in the health
information service.
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Advanced
G1.3A Perform first-line diagnostic, troubleshooting and maintenance on selected
hardware or software.
G1.4A Engage in code or macro modification or
creation or programming.
G2.7A Configure PCs.
G2.8A Perform user education regarding PCs and
a variety of software applications.
DOMAIN H : HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
UNIT
Entry-level
H1
Systems Analysis and Design
H2
System Selection Processes
H1.1E Read and understand a flow chart, pointing
out errors when appropriate.
H1.2E Understand role and the roles of other
healthcare professionals working in
healthcare delivery.
H1.3 E Articulate processes within area.
H1.4 E Communicate needs as a user.
H1.5E Understand the system development lifecycle and tools for project planning.
H2.1E Identify gaps in current health information
systems.
H2.2E Participate in the evaluation of existing
systems using established criteria.
H2.3E Participate in the evaluation of potential
systems utilising established criteria.
H3
Human Factors Engineering and
User Interface Design
H3.1 E Identify situations where inappropriate
consideration of user needs (user work
habits, space considerations, etc.) may be
the cause of problems.
H3.2E Understand accepted standards for human
factors engineering and user-interface
design.
H4
Information Systems Content
H4.1E Apply regulatory and accreditation
requirements for health information systems
content.
H4.2E Perform quantitative and qualitative
analyses of health records to evaluate
compliance with the requirements of
accrediting and regulatory bodies.
(includes both electronic and paper
mediums)
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
Advanced
H1.6I Work with users to determine optimal
work and data flow for data gathering,
storage and reporting.
H1.7I Manage and administer work and data
flow within specified areas.
H1.8I Assist in the development of data
collection and entry methodologies to
maximise efficiency.
H1.9A Work competently within the entire system
development life-cycle: identification of need,
feasibility study, analysis, design,
implementation and post-implementation,
and maintenance.
H1.10A Manage multiple projects effectively.
H2.4I Define and communicate user
requirements for information system.
H2.5I Forecast anticipated future needs for
health information systems.
H2.6I Rank requirements, ie. required by law,
mandatory for organisation operations,
desirable, etc.
H2.7I Assist in the drafting of requests for
information and requests for proposal for
new hardware or software system
acquisition.
H2.8I Assist in the development of evaluation
criteria for a potential system.
H3.3I Apply accepted standards for human
factors engineering and user-interface
design.
H3.4I Participate in the development and
implementation of useability testing or
prototyping.
H3.5I Identify necessary changes as a result
of such testing.
H2.3I Develop methodologies for evaluating
compliance with the requirements of
accrediting and regulatory bodies or other
standards specific to the healthcare
delivery system.
H2.4I Participate in documentation processes
and guidelines development, with special
attention paid to user needs.
H2.9A Write requests for information and requests
for proposals for new hardware or software
system acquisition, as well as evaluation
criteria for a potential system.
H2.910A Work with legal or purchasing
departments to develop a contract that will
guarantee delivery of a viable system and
minimise organisational risk.
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H3.6A Develop data input forms and screens
utilising industry-accepted standards,
knowledge of processes to be accomplished,
current work-flow, and the professional roles
involved.
H3.7A Adapt and modify processes to meet user
needs.
H2.5A Design and develop plan to ensure health
record content and health information
services are in compliance with the
requirements of accrediting and regulatory
bodies.
H2.6A Monitor changing documentation
requirements and standards and act
proactively, engaging other key members of
the healthcare team, to keep health record
content and health information services
current.
H2.7A Develop and implement effective
documentation processes appropriate to
healthcare delivery system in collaboration
with other key members of the organisation.
DOMAIN H : HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
UNIT
Entry-level
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
H5
Data Security and Integrity
H5.1E Utilise virus-checking software
appropriately.
H5.2E Ability to read, interpret and analyse
security audit reports especially exceptions to
access controls.
H5.3E Perform risk assessment and evaluation of
current data security measures.
H5.4E Read and interpret reports regarding health
data adequacy, accuracy and timeliness.
H5.5E Interpret and apply laws, standards, and
medical staff by-laws regarding health data
adequacy, accuracy and timeliness and be
able to recommend or write policies and
procedures.
H5.6E Formulate rules for hard and soft checks for
user-input.
H5.7I Apply current security technologies and
know where and how they would best be
utilised.
H5.8I Track and trend data security outcomes.
H5.9I Apply encryption technology and know
where and how they would best be
utilised.
H5.10I Perform regular security audits.
H5.11I Train users in appropriate data security
measures.
H5.12I Understand Internet security issues.
H5.13I Develop and produce reports regarding
health data adequacy, accuracy and
timeliness.
H6
Healthcare Data and Exchange
Standards
H6.1 E Collect, analyse and apply the appropriate
standards in a manner consistent with
organisation data usage and needs.
H6.2I Interpret standards to apply them within
developing and existing organisation data
systems
H6.3I Monitor the ongoing development of
standards.
H6.4I Provide education programs regarding
compliance with standards.
H7.6I Contribute to the design of CPR
systems, including interfaces and feeder
systems, and develop/apply models of
health information that enhance the
quality of patient care, optimise the use
and reimbursement of organisation
services, and improve access to health
services.
H7.7I Design quantitative and qualitative edits
for a CPR system.
H7.8I Train users of CPR system products.
H7.9I Identify and resolve common hardware
and software problems in CPR system
H7.10I Develop views, templates and reports
of patient-identifiable data in CPR
systems for various purposes.
(HL7, etc.)
H7
Computer-based Patient Record
System
(aka Electronic Health Record)
H7.1E Navigate a CPR system and accurately
enter data for areas of responsibility.
H7.2E Monitor the confidentiality of patientidentifiable data and health care information
in CPR systems.
H7.3E Inform patients and others of their rights
and responsibilities relative to the access to
and protection of patient-identifiable data and
health care information in CPR systems.
H7.4E Audit the accuracy and completeness of
patient-identifiable data and health
information in CPR systems.
H7.5E Recommend changes in the CPR to
streamline operations and enhance user
satisfaction.
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Advanced
H5.14A Develop data security policies for the
organisation.
H5.15A Develop encryption data security and
classification systems.
H5.16A Serve as the organisation authority for
data security issues, including but not limited
to, authentication, encryption, data disaster
preparedness, data security audits, failsafe
points, system redundancy, backup
processing, network design, computer
security law and security technologies,
including any Internet firewall.
H5.17A Develop innovative methods to make
health data more adequate, complete and
timely. These methods may include
creatively using technology or motivating
others, such as nursing staff, to become
involved in the process.
H6.5A Recognised within the organisation as an
expert on health information-related
standards.
H6.6A Participate in standards development
organisations.
H6.7A Develop educational programs regarding
compliance with standards.
H7.11A Educate and prepare healthcare
providers, practitioners and consumers about
the benefits of CPR systems.
H7.12A Evaluate laws/regulations, policies/
procedures, and HIM services to ensure the
appropriate use, quality, confidentiality, and
security of, and access to, patient-identifiable
data and health information in CPR systems.
H7.13A Assess user needs and translate into CPR
system specifications.
H7.14A Develop an archive strategy for the CPR
system.
H7.15A Plan and implement the integration of the
computerised and paper record in line with
the strategic plan.
DOMAIN H : HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
UNIT
Entry-level
H8
Health Data Collections
H8.1E Validate the timeliness of data and data
sources both within local systems and
external (or corporate) systems.
H8.2 E Collect data regarding area’s compliance
with the appropriate laws, regulations,
standards and organisation policies.
H8.3E Read and understand reports about
compliance with appropriate laws,
regulations, standards and organisation
policies
H9
Health Information
Dissemination and Security :
Patient-Identifiable
H9.1E Release patient-specific data to authorised
users and request patient-specific information
from other sources For example, screen
release forms to determine whether they
meet requirements, perform an emergency
release to a healthcare provider in a legal
fashion, and advise patients of the necessary
forms when requesting information.
Confidentiality, access, release of
information
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
H8.4I Validate the comprehensiveness and
accuracy of data and data sources.
H8.5 I Orient users to appropriate guidelines.
H8.6 I Design data collection processes for the
applications for which the data will be
used.
H8.7 I Perform warehousing of data following
legal, regulatory and policy guidelines.
H8.8I Manage accessibility of stored data.
H8.9 I Develop processes for data collection
and reports regarding compliance with
the appropriate laws, regulations,
standards and organisation policies.
H8.10I Present the results of this monitoring at
meetings as appropriate.
H9.2I Interpret laws and regulations to write
departmental policy and procedures
related to the collection, handling,
dissemination, protection and recovery
(including disaster procedures) of patientidentifiable data.
H9.3I Ensure the implementation of policies
and procedures and compliance with the
applicable laws.
H9.4I Conduct educational programming for
healthcare personnel regarding the
confidentiality and security of patientidentifiable health information.
H9.5I Analyse audit trails and take necessary
steps when violations of security occur.
H9.6I Observe and document vulnerable areas
or processes where security breaches or
confidentiality violations may occur.
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Advanced
H8.11A Validate the appropriateness (consistency,
currency, granularity, precision and
relevancy) of data and data sources.
H8.12A Recommend the best data and data
sources to meet needs.
H8.13A Develop educational programs for data
quality management.
H8.14A Analyse the quality of data, report on and
present the results.
H8.15A Develop organisation-wide data quality
policies for data collection/warehousing
H8.16A Manage organisation’s data collection and
reporting tasks as required for accrediting
and statutory bodies.
H9.7A Collaborate with key players and
departments within the organisation to create,
implement and enforce organisation-wide
confidentiality and security policies and
procedures for patient-identifiable
information.
H9.8A Design, develop and conduct programs for
training organisation personnel in new and
revised confidentiality and security policies
and procedures.
H9.9A Monitor the legal and technological
requirements for the confidentiality and
security of patient-identifiable information.
H9.10A Forecast the impact of changes in state
and federal law and technology.
H8.11A Determine which patient information to
appropriately release from the patient record
(paper and computer).
DOMAIN H : HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
UNIT
Entry-level
H10
Information Dissemination and
Security : Non-Identifiable
Patient Data
(Human resources information, financial
information, de-identified patient
information, etc.)
H11
Clinical Data Management
H12
Database Management
H13
Networks and Data
Communications
(Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area
Network (WAN), ISDN, T1 lines, ATM
technology, digital wireless, etc.)
H10.1E Apply appropriate laws and regulations to
the release of non-identifiable patient data to
authorised users and request non-patient
specific information from other sources. For
example, screen release forms to determine
whether they meet requirements, or database
access forms
H11.1E Know what data is available, its
definitions, and where it can be found.
H11.2E Perform basic data retrieval functions.
H11.3E Review patient records and gather data
when necessary (ie. coding, cancer registry,
abstracting, etc.).
H11.4E Conduct routine data quality checks.
H11.5E Assist in the definition of data elements,
taking current and developing laws and
standards into consideration.
H12.1E Understand the various uses of
databases.
H12.2E Identify situations when a database would
be the best solution.
H12.3E Develop and manage simple databases
with data definitions, data dictionaries and
data modelling.
H13.1E Identify what types of data
communications technologies are utilised in
area.
H13.2E Recommend improvements in the
information flow for area.
ELEMENTS
Intermediate
H10.2I Interpret laws and regulations to write
departmental policy and procedures
related to the collection, handling,
dissemination, protection and disaster
recovery of non-identifiable patient data.
H10.3I Ensure the implementation of policies
and procedures and compliance with
applicable laws.
H10.4I Conduct educational programs for
personnel regarding the confidentiality
and security of non-identifiable patient
health information.
H10.5I Analyse audit trails and take necessary
steps when violations of security occur.
H10.6I Observe and document vulnerable
areas or processes where security
breaches or confidentiality violations may
occur.
H11.6I Organise and aggregate data for a
wide variety of purposes.
H11.7I Implement, monitor and evaluate
policies and procedures that direct a
clinical data management system.
H11.8I Convert data into useful information.
H11.9I Perform non-routine data quality audits
and identify problems or issues from an
audit.
H12.4I Familiar with the organisation database
structures and the data models that
support these structures.
H12.5I Participate in the creation of data
definitions and data dictionaries.
H13.3I Recommend data communications and
networking protocols for applications in
area.
H13.4I Design and map the information flow
and access to networked systems.
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Advanced
H10.7A Collaborate with key players and
departments within the organisation to create,
implement and enforce organisation-wide
confidentiality and security policies and
procedures for non-identifiable patient
information.
H10.8A Design, develop and conduct programs for
training organisation personnel in new and
revised confidentiality and security policies
and procedures.
H10.9A Monitor the legal and technological
requirements for the confidentiality and
security of non-identifiable patient
information.
H10.10A Forecast the impact of changes in state
and federal law and technology.
H11.10A Develop, implement, monitor, evaluate
and revise policies and procedures that
manage a clinical data management system.
H11.11A Identify crucial information needs, define
data elements, determine a data collection
methodology and storage system, collect the
data, and design data quality monitors.
H11.12A Interpret and evaluate healthcare
information for a wide variety of purposes.
H11.13A Act and report on healthcare information.
H12.6A Take the lead in the creation and
modelling of new databases (or revision of
existing databases).
H12.7A Perform data administration functions,
especially regarding use of data.
H12.8A Determine organisation policy regarding
data definitions and data dictionaries, based
on current and developing laws and national
standards.
H13.5A Serve as a resource for data
communications law and regulations.
H13.6A Develop policy for the organisation.