Dakota State University HIIM Program Update
By Renae Spohn, Ph.D., Director of HIIM Programs
The HIIM programs launched at DSU in 1975, and there have been several changes within the profession over the last 50 years. The long-awaited electronic health records have been implemented throughout the healthcare industry, providing a solution to the long-standing problem of single clinician access to paper records. Today, multiple clinicians can concurrently access and document care provided to patients.
While there are new challenges with electronic health records, it’s time to celebrate the success of this transition that utilized the efforts of many HIIM professionals, providing their knowledge, skills, and guidance to advance the healthcare industry patient care delivery system. There are currently more than 300 CAHIIM-accredited HIM education programs, producing high quality professional graduates, and more than 50,000 AHIMA members and credential-holders working within the profession across the United States.
SDHIMA and HIMSS Dakota’s Chapter are great partners of the DSU HIM programs. In addition, many South Dakota healthcare providers have spent much time providing assistance with supervised professional practices so students could gain a real-life authentic experience of working in the HIM profession. Thank you to each one of you who provided mentoring for the students and offered them jobs!
DSU will be a proud sponsor of the SDHIMA Spring Conference, which will be held in the new sports complex on the the DSU campus on April 24-25, 2025. A reception will be held on the evening of April 24 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the HIIM programs at DSU. Please save the date for this fun event!
We plan to have HIIM alumni, partners, supporters, and friends attend the reception, and this will provide an opportunity to catch up with those you have not seen for a while. Hotel discounts are available for attendees interested in staying in Madison for the conference. Don’t hesitate to ask the SDHIMA Board of Directors or contact me at renae.spohn@dsu.edu about any questions.
While we are preparing for the SDHIMA Spring Conference, we are also engaged in learning about the Future Education Model curriculum requirements to incorporate into our programs by 2026. In addition, we are planning for DSU’s Spring Scrubs Camp which showcases hands-on opportunities for local high school students to learn about several healthcare roles, including HIIM, biology, etc.
Please contact me if you are interested in serving on our advisory board. Thanks for the support of the HIIM programs at DSU!
The Hidden Dangers of Your Hospital's IT: Beyond the Hard Drive — Chapter Sponsor Spotlight
By Levi Henges, VP of Business Development, SEAMservices.com
In today's healthcare landscape, technology plays a vital role. From storing patient records to managing equipment inventory, our reliance on IT systems is undeniable. However, with this increased dependence comes a growing threat: hidden data.
We're all familiar with securing the information stored on a computer's hard drive. But what about the data lurking in the shadows? Many modern devices, especially laptops and mobile equipment, come with additional internal storage beyond the removable hard drive. This hidden data compartment can harbor sensitive patient information, login credentials, and other confidential details – even after a traditional hard drive wipe.
Let's take a familiar example: a hospital laptop used by nurses to access patient charts. A technician performs a routine hard drive wipe, following standard procedures. The user feels confident their data is secure. Unfortunately, that may not be down the line. Hidden storage on the device could still hold unencrypted patient data, posing a significant security risk if the laptop is retired or replaced and not disposed of properly.
This hidden data threat extends beyond traditional computers. Think about those wireless scanners used for managing hospital inventory. While their primary function might seem innocuous, many advanced models come equipped with user interfaces and internal storage. This storage might contain sensitive network access details, opening a backdoor for cybercriminals if the scanner is simply thrown away.
So, what can you do to protect your hospital from these hidden dangers?
● Be aware: The first step is understanding that data security goes beyond just the hard drive. IT
staff and administrators should be aware of potential hidden storage on all devices.
● Data encryption: Encrypting data, both on the main drive and any hidden partitions, scrambles the information, rendering it useless to unauthorized users.
● Deployment protocols: Establish clear protocols for data wiping and device decommissioning that address ALL potential storage locations. This includes a plan for securely disposing of retired equipment.
● Secure IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Partner with a qualified ITAD provider who specializes in securely wiping data from ALL storage locations within retired equipment, regardless of device type. Look for providers with certifications that demonstrate their commitment to data security and environmental responsibility.
ITAD is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to mitigating hidden data risks. By ensuring all data is securely erased from retired equipment before disposal or reuse, hospitals can significantly reduce their cybersecurity risks.
Healthcare organizations should research and select an ITAD provider that offers:
● Secure data wiping: Techniques that guarantee data removal from all storage locations within a device.