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The Academy of Health Information ProfessionalsApplication ProcessAcademy applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee and complete a portfolio of professional progress. The portfolio documents a candidate's progress through the credentialing process. Applicants requesting Emeritus status are not charged a fee. Candidates for initial or continuing recognition by the Academy of Health Information Professionals may submit applications at any time. Candidates are encouraged to review current academy requirements and instructions carefully before beginning to construct their portfolios. Portfolios will be assessed using the current forms and point system in place at the time of submission. The Credentialing Committee has complied a list of hints for a successful academy portfolio. Follow the steps below for initial application. If you are already a member of the academy, see the Renewing Academy Membership page. Steps in the Initial Application ProcessStep 1Review the requirements for academy membership to determine the level for which you qualify. Either review a summary of academy membership levels or follow the steps on the Am I Eligible? page to determine the appropriate membership level at which to apply. Step 2Complete required forms as indicated in the chart below. Descriptions of the forms are located beneath the table. You can download PDF and RTF (rich text format) versions of the forms (as noted in parentheses) directly from this page. See the Forms page for detailed instructions.
Step 3Write your name on all documentation and attach the appropriate form. Step 4If applying at the Member level or above, use the LEDGER form to record the points you have earned. When you have finished, check the total number of points to determine whether you have the required number and distribution of points. In addition to the overall points, make sure any requirements for professional association activities and MLA activities have been documented. Step 5Submit two copies of the entire Portfolio of Professional Progress and the appropriate application fee payable to MLA or AHIP. (Effective January 1, 2004)
MLA International Rates (All foreign countries outside the United States, including Canada, Mexico, and Europe).
Contact MLA headquarters (312.419.9094 x28) for current academy fee information. Fees are payable in US dollars by check or credit card (MasterCard, American Express, Discover or Visa) to: Medical Library Association Step 6The academy acknowledges receipt of the portfolio and fee via email notification. Incomplete portfolios and those unaccompanied by proper fee payment will not be processed. Step 7The Credentialing Committee reviews portfolios on an ongoing basis and approves successful candidates for recognition by the Academy of Health Information Professionals. Step 8The Academy of Health Information Professionals issues certificates signed by the president and the executive director of MLA and, if requested by the applicant, notifies the employer of membership in the academy. Calendar of ReviewReviews of Portfolios of Professional Progress are scheduled monthly. On average, MLA headquarters and the Credentialing Committee process a completed portfolio in three months. Incomplete portfolios take longer. Academy membership is effective from the first day of the month in which the portfolio was submitted (postmarked). AppealsAn appeals panel appointed by the MLA Board of Directors reviews and decides cases in which candidates for recognition question interpretations made by the Credentialing Committee. Applicants who are denied recognition by the academy will receive written notification of the reasons. Appeals of such decisions must be filed with the Academy of Health Information Professionals at MLA headquarters within ninety days of receiving the ineligibility notice. In an appeals process, a majority (2/3) of the Appeals Panel will rule (Credentialing Committee, 5/93). |
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Medical Library Association
Last Updated: 2008 July 23 |