Release Date:  March 26, 2008
Contact:  Kathy Popielski, popielskik@trocaire.edu
716-821-1210, Ext. 1006


BUFFALO, N.Y. - To raise public awareness about issues related to the privacy and security of health information, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is sponsoring its annual Health Information Privacy and Security Week, April 13-19. The theme for this year’s event is, “Confidential Is Essential—Protect Health Information.”

While the healthcare industry’s steady evolution toward electronic health information management (e-HIM®) systems has significant benefits, there is also a need for healthcare consumers to address the risks associated with technology and take an active role in monitoring the privacy and security of their health information. The health information management (HIM) professionals at Trocaire College can provide educational assistance on the protection and confidentiality of your personal health information.

Consumer rights are also detailed in the Notice of Privacy Practices that each provider or health plan is required to provide to consumers at the time of service or upon request. Read the notices to not only understand your rights but also to learn what type of information is maintained and how it is used.  For detailed information on consumer privacy rights, visit myPHR.com.

About AHIMA
AHIMA is the leading professional association representing more than 51,000 specially educated and certified HIM professionals working throughout the healthcare industry.  HIM professionals serve healthcare and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for health system management. Visit the Web site at www.ahima.org.

About Trocaire
Trocaire offers an associate’s degree in Health Information Technology preparing students for a career that combines health care, business and information technology. To learn more about this program visit Trocaire’s website at www.trocaire.edu or contact the Program Director, Laurie J. Rivet, MBA, RHIA at 827-2561.