CAHUlM 233 N. Michigan Ave.

• Suite 2150 • Chicago, IL 60601-5800

Commission on Accreditation for
Health Informatics and Information phone: (312) 233-1100
Management Education fax: (312) 233-1090
www.cahiim.org

March 11,2005

Peter J. Sireno, EdD

President
Darton College
2400 Gillionville Raod
Albany, GA 31707

Dear President Sireno:

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
(CAHIIM) is pleased to inform you of its vote to award Continuing Accreditation to the Health
Information Management Associate Degree Program at Darton College.

The recent peer review conducted by the Panel of Accreditation Reviewers and the Board of
Commissioners recognizes the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established
Accreditation Standards. The program will participate annually and submit outcomes information
using the Annual Program Assessment Report process.

The following Partially Met Standard citations merit your institution’s attention and resolution in
order to strengthen the program's compliance with the Standards.

Standard II.B.6.a.(2).(e). The curriculum must include appropriate content at the

appropriate level to include Organization and Supervision.

Comment: Research techniques are not currently covered in the curriculum.

Guidelinesfor Compliance: Contiftue to implement research techniques in the curriculum.

Standard II.B.C. Supervised professional practice assignments for HIM

students shall be structured to gain experiences in applying
knowledge to technical procedures in health information
systems and in developing professional attitudes for
interacting with other professionals and consumers in the
healthcare field. Professional practice experiences may be
included in the curriculum as separate courses,
incorporated within course and/or developed as simulated
professional practice modules. Off-campus assignments
shall be in facilities, organizations or agencies related to
health care.
President Sinero
Page 2

Comment: It appears that student experience with hands-on coding is

minimal at present. Additional courses and practice are being
planned.

Guidelinesfor Compliance: Continue to implement hands-on coding experience into the laboratory and
PPE segments of the curriculum.

The Accreditation Standards are established by CAHIIM.

The Commission recognizes you and your colleagues for your commitment to continuous quality
improvement in education, as demonstrated by your participation in program accreditation.

Sincerely,

-■“-is.

Barbara W. Mosley, PhD, RHIA

Chair, Board of Commissioners

Cc: Joan Darden, PhD, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Angela Morey, MSM, RHIA, Program Director
George J. Payan, CAHIIM Accreditation Manager