2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Health Information Technology
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351070700	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	70 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2071 Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as Health Information Technicians, Medical Record Technicians  SOC Code 29-2071 (Medical Records and Health Information Technicians), or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. 

The content includes but is not limited to health information management, ethical and medico-legal aspects, computer information technology for health records, biomedical sciences, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology and pathophysiology, health record science, computer applications, word processing, data base management, and spreadsheet, health data content, analysis and structure, statistics and data literacy, coding, clinical classification systems, reimbursement methodologies, quality assessment and performance improvement, health care delivery systems,  indexing, organization and supervision, professional practice experience, and employability skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 70 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations. 
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Explore health informatics and information management as a profession. 
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of health data concepts. 
05.0	Describe the functions of a health record
06.0	Demonstrate a basic understanding of Health Information Technology. 
07.0	Discuss classification systems, clinical vocabularies and terminologies. 
08.0	Explore ethical issues in Health Informatics and Information Management 
09.0	Identify the importance of privacy and health records law in healthcare. 
10.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills
11.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
12.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body. 
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease process in relationship to the human body, including pharmacology.
14.0	Manage health data.
15.0	Demonstrate proficiency in clinical classification systems. 
16.0	Use medical references. 
17.0	Calculate healthcare statistics, including those for biomedical research and quality.
18.0	Utilize appropriate health services organization and delivery system regulations.
19.0	Utilize appropriate information technology and systems
20.0	Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, and support for EHR’s
21.0	Manage organizational resources

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Health Information Technology	
CIP Number:	1351070700 
Program Length:	70 credits
SOC Code(s):	29-2071

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations. – The student will be able to:	
01.01	Discuss the evolution of health care.	
01.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the infrastructure of healthcare in the United States.	
01.03	Discuss regulatory agencies and organizations within the healthcare delivery system	
01.04	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential.	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively. – The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, formatting and confidentiality. 	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Recognize elements of communication using a sender-receiver model. 	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Explore health informatics and information management as a profession. – The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the history of health information management.	
03.02	Discuss the professional opportunities within the health information management profession.	
03.03	Demonstrate knowledge of professional associations within HIM.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of health data concepts. – The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe the various uses of health data (primary and secondary).	
04.02	Describe various characteristics of health data quality and standards.	
05.0	Describe the functions of a health record. – The student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the various formats of the health record.	
05.02	Explain the various uses of a health record. 	
05.03	Follow medical records policies and procedures for security, including confidentiality. 	
06.0	Demonstrate a basic understanding of Health Information Technology. – The student will be able to:	
06.01	Discuss how healthcare reform legislation can and does affect the HIT field.	
06.02	Interpret information from Electronic Health Records (EHR) and applications in healthcare	
06.03	Demonstrate an understanding of creation, use, and purpose of the electronic health record.	
07.0	Discuss classification systems, clinical vocabularies and terminologies. – The student will be able to:	
07.01	Demonstrate knowledge of administrative terminologies as they relate to HIM.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of clinical terminologies as they relate to HIM.	
08.0	Explore ethical issues in Health Informatics and Information Management – The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe the code of ethics consistent with healthcare occupations.	
08.02	Recognize ethical issues related to health information technology.	
08.03	Recognize ethical issues related to coding and billing/medical transcription.	
09.0	Identify the importance of privacy and health records law in healthcare. – The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 	
09.02	Define and explain the composition of the legal patient record.	
09.03	Follow medical records policies and procedures for security, including confidentiality. 	
10.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills – The student will be able to:	
10.01	Demonstrate keyboarding skills	
10.02	Demonstrate the ability to save files and retrieve files from your computer.	
10.03	Demonstrate ability to connect to the internet	
10.04	Demonstrate ability to perform research on the internet by identifying reliable websites.	
10.05	Demonstrate ability to send and receive e-mail.	
10.06	Demonstrate ability to send messages with attached files.	
10.07	Demonstrate ability in word processing to create, edit, save, and print a Microsoft Word document.	
10.08	Demonstrate the ability to create and present a Microsoft PowerPoint project.	
11.0	Demonstrate employability skills. – The student will be able to:	
11.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
11.02	Define basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. courtesy and self-introductions).	
11.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
11.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
11.05	Conduct a job search. 	
11.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
11.07	Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques. 	
11.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
11.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
11.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
11.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development).	
12.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body. – The student will be able to:	
12.01	Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system.	
12.02	Describe the structure and function of the cardio-vascular system.	
12.03	Describe the structure and function of the muscular-skeletal system.	
12.04	Describe the structure and function of nervous, skin, and sensory systems.	
12.05	Describe the structure and function of the reproductive system.	
12.06	Describe the structure and function of the urinary system.	
12.07	Describe the structure and function of the digestive system.	
12.08	Describe the structure and function of the endocrine system.	
	
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease process in relationship to the human body, including pharmacology. – The student will be able to:	
13.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the predisposing factors and direct causes of disease as they relate to the human body.	
13.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the general morphology of organisms and their role in the disease process.	
13.03	Demonstrate an understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases of all the body systems.	
13.04	Demonstrates an understanding of the most common drugs by classification, action and the rationale for use in treatment so that the student will be able to determine if a drug ordered on a patient's medical record ties to any of the diagnoses listed on the same medical record.	
14.0	Manage health data. –The student will be able to: 	
14.01	Collect and maintain health data (such as data elements, data sets, and databases).	
14.02	Conduct analysis to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status.	
14.03	Apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of health data.	
14.04	Utilize correct clinical vocabulary and terminology.	
14.05	Verify timelines, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and/or databases.	
14.06	Maintain healthcare information requirements and health data standards.	
15.0	Demonstrate proficiency in clinical classification systems. –The student will be able to: 	
15.01	 Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support classification and coding	
15.02	Apply diagnosis/procedure codes using ICD coding classification systems. 	
15.03	Apply procedure codes using CPT/HCPCS.	
15.04	Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings such as DRG, APC, etc.	
15.05	Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.	
15.06	Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.	
15.07	Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED etc.)	
15.08	Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.	
15.09	Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.	
15.10	Support accurate billing through coding, chargemaster, claims management, and bill reconciliation processes.	
15.11	Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding initiative.	
15.12	Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems.	
16.0	Utilize medical references. – The student will be able to:	
16.01	Use medical dictionaries.	
16.02	Identify and use trade generic and chemical drug names utilizing reference sources.	
16.03	Identify and use diagnostic test terminology.	
17.0	Manage healthcare statistics, including biomedical research and quality. –The student will be able to: 	
17.01	Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices/databases/registries.	
17.02	Collect, organize, and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management, and other related studies.	
17.03	Compute and interpret healthcare statistics.	
17.04	Understand institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies.	
17.05	Use specialized databases to meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries.	
17.06	Abstract and report data for facility wide quality management and performance improvement programs.	
17.07	Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.	
18.0	Utilize appropriate health services organization and delivery system regulations. – The student will be able to:	
18.01	Apply information system policies and procedures required by national health information initiatives on the healthcare delivery system.	
18.02	Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure, and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local, and facility levels.	
18.03	Apply policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services such as Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, etc.	
18.04	Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.	
18.05	Describe how to monitor and re-adjust workflow as necessary.	
18.06	Participate in the implementation of legal and regulatory requirements related to the health information infrastructure.	
18.07	Apply policies and procedures for access and disclosure of personal health information.	
18.08	Release patient-specific data to authorized users.	
18.09	Maintain user access logs/systems to track access to and disclosure of identifiable patient data.	
18.10	Conduct privacy and confidentiality training programs.	
18.11	Investigate and recommend solutions to privacy issues/problems.	
18.12	Apply and promote ethical standards of practice.	
18.13	Implement appropriate Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
19.0	Utilize appropriate information technology and systems. – The student will be able to: 	
19.01	Use technology, including hardware and software, to ensure data collection, storage, analysis and reporting of information. 	
19.02	Use common software application such as spreadsheets, databases, word processing, graphics, presentation, e-mail, etc. in the execution of work processes.	
19.03	Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement, and imaging.	
19.04	Apply policies and procedures to the use of networks, including internet and intranet applications to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), public health and other administrative applications. 	
19.05	Apply knowledge of data base architecture and design (such as data dictionary, data modeling, data warehousing) to meet departmental needs.	
19.06	Use appropriate electronic or imaging technology for data/record storage.	
19.07	Query and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval.	
19.08	Design and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval.	
19.09	Apply retention and destruction policies for health information.	
19.10	Maintain archival and retrieval systems for patient information stored in multiple formats.	
19.11	Coordinate, use, and maintain systems for document imaging and storage. 	
19.12	Apply confidentiality and security measures to protect electronic health information.	
19.13	Protect data integrity and validity using software or hardware technology.	
19.14	Apply departmental and organizational data and information system security policies	
19.15	Use and summarize data compiled from audit trails and data quality monitoring programs.	
20.0	Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, and support for EHR’s– The student will be able to: 	
20.01	Demonstrate the ability to research best practices and perform a needs assessment to determine the architecture and system specifications needed for selection of an electronic health/medical record system for specific healthcare environments.	
20.02	Evaluate, select, and implement information technologies to manage health data and systems in various healthcare settings, i.e. hospitals, clinics, physician practices.	
20.03	Identify technological and behavioral barriers and potential solutions associated with electronic health/medical record implementation initiatives.	
21.0	Manage Organizational Resources– The student will be able to: 	
21.01	Apply and organize roles and functions of teams and committees	
21.02	Adapt communication and interpersonal abilities	
21.03	Illustrate team leadership techniques	
21.04	Design training and orientation programs.	
21.05	Facilitate continuing education programs.	
21.06	Comply with local, state and federal labor regulations	
21.07	Identify the components of workflow and process monitors. 	
21.08	Use productivity tools and techniques to monitor, report, and improve processes.	
21.09	Prioritize job functions and productivity criteria and communicate the resulting outcomes for health information functions.	
21.10	Compose and make recommendations for organizational plans, budgets, and proposals.	
21.11	Create and maintain monitors for employee performance, the revenue cycle, and resource allocation	
21.12	Monitor coding and revenue cycle processes.	
21.13	Recommend cost-savings and efficient means of achieving work processes and goals.	
21.14	Contribute to work plans, policies, procedures, and resource requisitions in relation to job functions	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes
The program should meet the program standards and guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The program should encompass the AHIMA established knowledge clusters and entry-level competencies for Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT’s). It prepares the student to take the AHIMA national certification examination for Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).
This program should be taught in accordance with the accreditation standards of: the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), 233 North Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800 (312/233-1100) www.cahiim.org
Students should be encouraged to join the (AHIMA) American Health Information Management Association and/or (AAPC) American Academy of Professional Coders and participate in the state/local association. 
Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Information Technology core and do not have to be completed if the students has previously completed the core in another program at any level. The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

The following ATD programs have been approved by the Florida State Board of Education for statewide articulation credit into this degree program.  

Medical Coder/Biller-ATD (0351070705/0351070703) – 26 credits 
Medical Record Transcribing-ATD (0351070706/0351070704) – 15 credits

The following industry certifications have been approved by the Florida State Board of Education for statewide articulation credit into this degree program.  

Certified Medical Transcriptionist (AFHDI001) – 3 credits 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 70 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).  This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Healthcare Informatics Specialist (0351070711) – 18 credit hours
Medical Information Coder/Biller (0351070707) – 34 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.