Health Information Management (HIM) Director

Harlan County Health System•Alma, NE

About The Position

Position Summary: The HIM Director provides leadership and oversight for all Health Information Management functions across the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring integrity, security, accessibility, and regulatory compliance of patient health information. The HIM Director serves as the organizational authority for medical record standards, documentation compliance, release of information, credentialing support, and health information systems. Essential Job Functions: Health Information Governance & Oversight Provide oversight for all Health Information Management operations. Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Establish and monitor standards for documentation practices, record retention, and data integrity. Evaluate workflows and implement process improvements to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Ensure medical records are maintained in accordance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards as well as hospital policies Monitor compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and release of information regulations. Conduct audits and ongoing monitoring to ensure documentation accuracy and regulatory readiness. Coordinate preparation for regulatory surveys, audits, and external reviews related to health information. Address privacy or documentation concerns in collaboration with leadership. Release of Information & Record Management Oversee processing of medical record requests to ensure timely and appropriate release of information. Ensure proper authorization, documentation, and tracking of all information released. Partner with providers and department leaders to resolve documentation deficiencies and record completion issues. Credentialing & Administrative Oversight Oversee compilation and submission of credentialing documentation for insurance and practice credentialing. Prepare credentialing materials for review by the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Staff. Ensure accuracy and completion of required legal and regulatory documentation, including birth certificates, death certificates, and insurance-related forms. Systems Leadership & Organizational Support Provide oversight related to the electronic health record (EHR) system and health information technologies. Collaborate with IT, coding, compliance, and revenue cycle departments to align documentation practices with organizational objectives. Monitor regulatory and industry updates to ensure continued compliance and best practices. Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned to support department and organizational needs.

Requirements

Associate degree in Health Information Management, Health Administration, or related healthcare field.
Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in Health Information Management or medical records within a healthcare setting.
Knowledge of healthcare regulations, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.
Strong understanding of medical records processes, documentation standards, and release of information practices.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations, confidentiality requirements, and record retention guidelines.
Ability to function independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Effective communication and collaboration skills across departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and healthcare information systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
Experience supporting regulatory survey preparation or accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight for all Health Information Management operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Establish and monitor standards for documentation practices, record retention, and data integrity.
Evaluate workflows and implement process improvements to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
Ensure medical records are maintained in accordance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards as well as hospital policies
Monitor compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and release of information regulations.
Conduct audits and ongoing monitoring to ensure documentation accuracy and regulatory readiness.
Coordinate preparation for regulatory surveys, audits, and external reviews related to health information.
Address privacy or documentation concerns in collaboration with leadership.
Oversee processing of medical record requests to ensure timely and appropriate release of information.
Ensure proper authorization, documentation, and tracking of all information released.
Partner with providers and department leaders to resolve documentation deficiencies and record completion issues.
Oversee compilation and submission of credentialing documentation for insurance and practice credentialing.
Prepare credentialing materials for review by the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Staff.
Ensure accuracy and completion of required legal and regulatory documentation, including birth certificates, death certificates, and insurance-related forms.
Provide oversight related to the electronic health record (EHR) system and health information technologies.
Collaborate with IT, coding, compliance, and revenue cycle departments to align documentation practices with organizational objectives.
Monitor regulatory and industry updates to ensure continued compliance and best practices.
Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned to support department and organizational needs.