The document provides an introduction to the Advocacy and Policy Initiatives chapter of the HIMSS Southern California chapter. It summarizes what HIMSS is, as a global nonprofit focused on using IT to improve healthcare. The chapter aims to promote knowledge sharing and professional growth among its over 2000 members from various healthcare technology fields. It identifies key principles for advocacy around issues like quality, safety, privacy and more. Finally, it outlines how HIMSS members can assist in legislative input through their expertise, special interest groups, and HIMSS's research and communication capabilities.

1. Introduction to
Chapter Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
Sriram V. Bharadwaj (Sri)
Advocacy and Policy Committee – HIMSS Southern California Chapter
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2. What is Healthcare Information and Management Systems
Society (HIMSS)?
Cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership
for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the
betterment of healthcare.
Headquartered in Chicago with additional offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.
HIMSS represents more than 38,000 individual members, of which more than two thirds
work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations.
HIMSS also includes over 540 corporate members and more than 120 not-for-profit
organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of
information technology and management systems.
HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise,
professional development, research initiatives, and media vehicles designed to promote
information and management systems' contributions to improving the quality, safety, access,
and cost-effectiveness of patient care.
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3. Chapter Introduction and Purpose
• tax-exempt, 501(c)(6) non-profit organization
• one of more than 50 affiliated chapters of HIMSS.
• Greater than 2000 members from the healthcare technology
Introduction discipline
• Bring a diverse background of Southern CA health care
technology professionals from hospitals, clinical organizations,
healthcare insurance companies, technology vendors and other
consulting organizations
• Promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge among
Purpose similar professionals, legislative representatives and act as a
voice of the members
• Assist members in their professional growth.
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4. Chapter Principles
Funding and Incentives
Quality Outcomes
Organization Structure
Safety Standards and Innovation
Privacy and Security
Legal
Patient Empowerment
Equity and Access
Workforce Development
Administrative Simplification
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5. How can HIMSS members assist in Legislative Input?
HIMSS members have subject matter expertise in the following areas:
• Healthcare Technology Adoption and Use
• Practical considerations in implementation of healthcare technology
• Collective input across payer, provider, TPAs, vendor and affiliated
agencies for the use of Healthcare Data
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) who focus on:
• E-health
• Electronic Health Records
• Long and Post Acute Care
• Pediatric Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT)
• Project Management
• RFID
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6. How can HIMSS members assist in Legislative Input?
HIMSS has additional capabilities through the following initiatives:
HIMSS Analytics provides comprehensive healthcare data and
research that supports improved decision-making for:
• Healthcare Providers
• Healthcare IT Companies
• Consulting Firms
• Government Agencies/International Governments
• Pharmaceutical Companies
HIMSS has collective “Call to Action” recommendation and capabilities to
communicate policies across its chapters and affiliated members
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