Health Informatics Program Policies & Procedures

Indian Hills Mission and Values

Indian Hills Community College Mission

Indian Hills Community College changes lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment, and regional economic advancement.

Indian Hills Community College Values

• Academic Excellence and Student Success
• Integrity, Relationships, and Teamwork
• Acceptance, Inclusion, and Accessibility
• Tradition and Culture
• Innovation and the Future

Accreditation

Indian Hills Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association, and the State of Iowa, Iowa Department of Education.

The Health Information Technology program at Indian Hills Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).   

The Indian Hills Community College Medical Insurance Coding program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program. This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer review process against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions to be acknowledged as offering an approved coding certificate program.

Health Information Technology Mission, Goals and Philosophy

Mission Statement

To provide a program of Health Information education that builds upon practical application and affords the student the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a competent health information professional. 

Goals

• Students will possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to function as entry-level health information professionals
• The program curriculum will adhere to the accreditation standards and guidelines essential to prepare competent health information technicians
•  The HIT program will provide one continuing education workshop each academic year
• Faculty members will be knowledgeable of current trends in the Health Information profession

Philosophy

Indian Hills Community College, as a community-centered institution, strives to meet the needs of all people for post-secondary education.  The College believes every opportunity should be provided for each student to develop to their maximum potential in order that they might become a valuable citizen who contributes to our complex and ever-changing society.

We believe Health Information Technology is an art and science that has as its primary focus the development, use, and maintenance of health information for medical care, preventative medicine, quality improvement, professional education, administrative practices, and study purposes with due consideration to the patient’s right to privacy. We believe that the best knowledge base for practice is a combination of general and technical education. Therefore, education in Health Information Technology is based upon general education principles and a specialized body of knowledge and skills that focuses on the preparation of a competent specialized professional.

The faculty of the Health Information Technology program believes that learning is an individual and continuous process resulting in a behavioral change that can be measured; and that learning is facilitated and affected by motivation, self-discipline, and structured experience. We further believe that the role of the instructor is to identify learning needs, guide the learner, and establish an environment conducive to learning.

We believe that the Health Information Technology student is an adult learner and as such shares the responsibility for their learning. This allows the student to develop into a lifelong learner, an effective practitioner, and a responsible citizen.  We also believe that students are accountable to the ethical practices of the Health Information profession.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of an entry-level Health Information professional 
• Communicate effectively with clients, family, and healthcare team members 
• Adhere to ethical and legal principles in relation to standards of practice 
• Demonstrate accountability for professional behavior, development, and growth 
• Use documentation that is concise and grammatically correct 
• Demonstrate proficiency in exam domains for the Registered Health Information Technician certification

Program Outcomes

• The HIT program will provide one continuing education workshop each academic year
• The program curriculum will adhere to the accreditation standards and guidelines essential to prepare competent health information professionals 
• Faculty members will be knowledgeable of current trends in the Health Information profession

Medical Insurance Coding Mission, Goals and Philosophy

Mission Statement

To provide a program of Medical Insurance Coding education that builds upon practical application and affords the student the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a competent medical insurance coding professional.

Goals

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of an entry-level medical insurance coding professional
• Communicate effectively with clients, family, and healthcare team members
• Adhere to ethical and legal principles in relation to standards of practice
• Demonstrate accountability for professional behavior, development, and growth
• Use documentation that is concise and grammatically correct

Philosophy

Indian Hills Community College, as a community-centered institution, strives to meet the needs of all people for post-secondary education. The College believes every opportunity should be provided for each student to develop to their maximum potential in order that he/she might become a valuable citizen who contributes to our complex and ever-changing society.

We believe Medical Insurance Coding is an art and science that has as its primary focus developing, using, and maintaining health information and coding diagnoses and procedures. We believe that the Medical Insurance Coding Professional must adhere to the patient’s right to privacy. We believe that the best knowledge base for practice is a combination of general and technical education. Therefore, education in Medical Insurance Coding is based upon general education principles and a specialized body of knowledge and skills that focuses on the preparation of a competent specialized professional.

The faculty of the Medical Insurance Coding program believes that learning is an individual and continuous process resulting in a behavioral change that can be measured; and that learning is facilitated and affected by motivation, self-discipline, and structured experience. We further believe that the role of the instructor is to identify learning needs, guide the learner, and establish an environment conducive to learning.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of an entry-level Medical Insurance Coding Professional
• Communicate effectively with clients, family, and healthcare team members
• Adhere to ethical and legal principles in relation to standards of practice
• Demonstrate accountability for professional behavior, development, and growth
• Use documentation that is concise and grammatically correct

Health Information Technology Curriculum

To view the full program curriculum, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.

Medical Insurance Coding Curriculum

To view the full program curriculum, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.

Core Course Descriptions

To view the course descriptions, please click on the links below. 

• Health Information Technology:
  • HIT 125 - Essentials of Health Records
  • HIT 126 - Health Records Laboratory
  • HIT 130 - Health Record Systems
  • HIT 141 - Health Law and Ethics
  • HIT 221 - Compliance/Risk Management
  • HIT 225 - Leadership and Organization
  • HIT 227 - Health Statistics
  • HIT 274 - Diagnostic Coding
  • HIT 275 - Procedural Coding
  • HIT 290 - Reimbursement Methods
  • HIT 440 - Quality Management
  • HIT 730 - Data Management Pathway
  • HIT 731 - Revenue Management Pathway
  • HIT 732 - HIT Leadership Pathway
  • HIT 950 - HIT Seminar
  • MTR 156 - HDS Fundamentals
• Medical Insurance Coding:
  • HIT 125 - Essentials of Health Records
  • HIT 126 - Health Records Laboratory
  • HIT 130 - Health Record Systems
  • HIT 141 - Health Law and Ethics
  • HIT 274 - Diagnostic Coding
  • HIT 275 - Procedural Coding
  • HIT 290 - Reimbursement Methods
  • HIT 730 - Data Management Pathway
  • HIT 731 - Revenue Management Pathway

Admission Criteria and Process

All students entering Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) Health Sciences programs are required to submit the following documents:

• High school transcripts can be unofficial copies; however, they must be sent from the school to IHCC. 
• Approved placement exams for Health Science programs include ACT, SAT or Accuplacer. 
  • Accuplacer results must be completed within two years prior to the program start term.
  • Students are only allowed to complete the Accuplacer exam three (3) times within a calendar year with a minimum of two (2) weeks between exams.
  • ACT/SAT results must be completed within five (5) years prior to the program start term.
• Official College transcripts (if applicable) must be mailed to IHCC using the address below.

Grade Point Average (GPA) transferred in from an accredited higher education institution requires at least eight (8) cumulative college credit hours from one institution in order to be used for the screening process.

High School Evaluation Policy

Students wishing to enroll in a Health Sciences program at Indian Hills Community College must submit a copy of their high school transcripts. If a student has completed high school outside of the United States, they must have their documents evaluated by a Foreign Credential Evaluation company. An official evaluation report must be submitted directly from the evaluation company to Indian Hills Community College. High School evaluation reports must state the student has the equivalency of a U.S. high school diploma. Also, students be aware that we must have a grade point average (G.P.A.) to use for the screening process. This G.P.A. must come either on the completed evaluation report or from an accredited educational institution within the United States.

Registration Process

Registration typically begins four (4) weeks before the end of the term. Registration dates are published yearly and are specified on the Instructional Timelines Calendar. Students are encouraged to register online using the course schedule provided by the Health Sciences Division. General education courses are specified on the program schedule. The Arts and Sciences division makes the general education courses available to all students (despite the program major) two weeks after registration begins.  Therefore, students must register for general education courses as soon as possible. Course numbers and section numbers are identified on the course schedules to assist students.

Campus Safety

At Indian Hills Community College the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff are always a priority. Safety and the prevention of accidents are the responsibility of faculty, staff, and students. Everyone on campus is encouraged to use all available resources and information, as well as common sense decisions, to help foster a safe environment.  Refer to the college catalog, student handbook, and appropriate signage posted throughout the campus for policies and procedures regarding safety on campus. If an accident or injury does occur while on the Indian Hills campus, it will be immediately reported to a member of the staff or faculty. Emergency care will be provided on campus until emergency medical services arrive. Potential safety hazards will also be reported to the staff or faculty. 

IHCC Campus Security – Please call 641.683.5300

http://www.indianhills.edu/about/security.php   

Off-Campus Safety

While attending a professional experience/practicum at the professional experience/practicum site, emergency preparedness, health, and safety policies and procedures of the facility will be observed. If an accident or injury occurs during an off-campus experience it will immediately be reported to the Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor and Health Informatics Program Director so the appropriate procedures can be followed.

Professional Experiences/Practicums

The purpose of the professional experience/practicum is to allow the student to observe the healthcare setting and flow of patient information, and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired thus far in their studies. Each student will be supervised by a designated professional experience/practicum supervisor. Students are to abide by the hours and policies of the assigned professional experience/practicum facility. Refer to the Professional Experience Manual for a complete description of the professional experience/practicum and a detailed discussion on student responsibilities during the professional experience/practicum. 

HIM Annual Meeting - Students enrolled in the HIT and MIC programs will be required to attend their state/regional HIM annual meeting. Up to 10 hours of attendance may be credited to the online Professional Experience Component as outlined in the Professional Experience Manual.

*Note: Refer to the Professional Experience/Practicums course descriptions for the required prerequisites prior to enrolling in a professional experience.

Professional Experiences/Practicums are scheduled as follows: 

Clinical Affiliation Process

The clinical affiliation process follows the outlined policy:

1. A requested/selected clinical site will be contacted by the Program Director/Clinical Coordinator to determine interest and feasibility of serving as a clinical/practicum/professional practice site.
2. All contracts are kept and organized by the Health Sciences Assistant. Program Director/Clinical Coordinator must communicate with the Assistant regarding the status of the Clinical Affiliation Agreement. 
3. A Clinical Site Agreement will be sent to the proposed clinical/practicum site. After the agreement is signed by the facility administration, it is returned to IHCC for signatures by the Associate Dean, Health Sciences.
4. Clinical Affiliation agreements will be reviewed annually or as specified by the Program’s accreditation standards. When able, contracts will be automatically renewed.
5. Students will not be assigned to clinical sites that do not have a current, signed clinical agreement in place.

Health and Professional Liability Insurance

Selected clinical sites require that students have health insurance. If a student is assigned to a clinical location with a health insurance requirement, proof of health insurance coverage must be documented. Students will be assigned to another available clinical site if they do not have documentation of health insurance coverage.

As stated on the IHCC clinical site agreement, “Indian Hills agrees to hold and maintain professional liability insurance coverage on all Indian Hills Health Sciences students”.  Clinical sites are provided a copy of the “Certificate of Liability Insurance” form annually at the time of the clinical site agreement review.

Minor Consent Policy

• Any minor student under the age of 18 must abide by the criminal background checks and drug screen policy specific to their program of study.
• A parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 18 must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of a copy of this policy.
• Those students who are minors under the age of 18 must obtain parental/legal guardian consent.
• Lack of consent for testing will disqualify the minor from continued clinical participation and participation in the Program.

If you are a student who is a minor, please have your parent/legal guardian complete the below and return to the Program Director.

I, __________________________________, the parent/legal guardian of

____________________________________, a student in the IHCC

_____________________________________________________ program,

acknowledge receiving a copy of the IHCC Health Sciences criminal background checks

and drug screen policy.

I, __________________________________, the parent/legal guardian of

____________________________________, consent to Drug/alcohol testing

for my minor child for use only in regard to IHCC program requirements.  I understand

that program officials will keep results of testing private.

Criminal and Abuse Background Checks

National and State criminal and dependent adult-child abuse checks are required of every student preparing to enroll in an Indian Hills Community College Health Sciences program. The cost of the required checks is the responsibility of the student/applicant.

The Criminal and Dependent Adult-Child abuse background check procedure is established to meet the requirements for the partnerships between the College and the clinical facilities and sites. Students who have a criminal history, and are cleared to participate in an IHCC Health Sciences academic program, are still responsible to work with their professional licensing or certification board for determination if they are eligible to sit for that profession’s licensure or certification.

Students are required to have a background check prior to beginning any clinicals of the Health Science Programs. Students are responsible for assuming responsibility for the fee. Results may affect the student’s ability to participate in practicum experiences and continue in the Health Science Programs.

HIT and MIC students will complete all background checks through their program package with ViewPoint.

NON-NURSING MAJORS National/State Background Check

Students who enroll in a non-nursing Health Sciences program are required to purchase a package from ViewPoint that includes a National Background Check and the Iowa Adult and Child Protective Services check:

• Follow instructions for creating an account and submitting info for background check. Complete student health information (physical, immunizations, etc.) is uploaded by student. A student with an existing ViewPoint from another Indian Hills Community College Health Sciences program, may contact ViewPoint’s Customer Service to transfer the profile to the current program. If the existing ViewPoint profile is from a different school, it will not transfer to Indian Hills Community College. In this case, a new ViewPoint profile for the current program must be purchased. 

• Falsification of medical records will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the Program.

• The background check must be completed prior to starting the program or as directed by the program director for special circumstances.  Students who fail to complete the required checks will not be able to attend laboratory or clinical.
• Students who change from one IHCC Health Sciences program to another without a term between may use the first program’s check ONLY if it is no more than 12 months since the initial check was run.
• Students who complete a Health Sciences program and have more than one term before the next program start will need to have the check repeated, no matter how long ago the first check was completed.
• Students also have the responsibility to inform the Program Director if they have an arrest and conviction after entering the program.

More information will be available within orientation or upon request from the Program Director. 

The below criteria is used to determine whether a student is eligible to participate in an Indian Hills Community College Health Sciences program: 

DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE/CHILD ABUSE CHECKS

Faculty and students in the Health Sciences Division are required to complete state-approved dependent adult and child abuse mandatory reporter training. 

Students in the Health Sciences Division are required to become certified as dependent adults and child abuse reporters. This requirement is met by completing the program for dependent adult and child abuse with information on the following content areas: Iowa law, probable reasons, recognition, and reporting process. 

Students who are assigned to learning experiences in a clinical setting may be required to have a Dependent Adult/Child Abuse background check. The findings of that report may make a student ineligible for a clinical rotation. Students will assume responsibility for the cost of the background check.  Clinical assignments will not be made on the basis of this requirement.

DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE/CHILD ABUSE - MANDATORY REPORTERS

All Health Sciences faculty are mandatory reporters for both dependent adult and child abuse.  As such they must complete state-approved mandatory reporter training for both dependent adult and child abuse every 5 years, as required by Iowa law. All Health Sciences instructional faculty that do not go to clinical sites are mandatory reporters for child abuse and as such must complete a state-approved child abuse mandatory training program every 5 years as required by state law.

Drug Screening

All Health Science students are required to have a drug screen prior to the clinical experience. HIT & MIC students will have a drug screen during the first term of the program and during the 6th term of the program. In addition, students may be drug or alcohol tested for reasonable suspicion at their own expense. See the policy below. HIT & MIC students with positive results on a drug or alcohol test will be withdrawn from the program.      

The student portfolio (on the clinical documentation website/Viewpoint) will contain the drug screen results. Those results will be available to both the student and the program administrator.

The process will be as follows:

• The student will be provided with information on setting up their account for the Viewpoint website during the mandatory program orientation
• The student will receive a drug testing custody and control form from their Program Director/Viewpoint administrator closer to the student’s clinical rotation.  Please check with your Program Director when this requirement will be implemented. 
• The student is responsible for the drug testing fee.
• Viewpoint accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit, electronic checks, or money orders.
• The confirmation of payment will be issued to the student’s email address they used when they placed the order. 
• The confirmation form will be printed as proof to the program administrator.  The confirmation order contains the student’s name, the date the product was purchased, the amount of the purchase, and what the clinical requirement is for.
• The program administrator will then issue the Forensic Drug Testing Custody and Control Form.  The student will take this form to the designated laboratory site.  

How should students schedule their drug test?

• The Ottumwa Regional Health Center Occupational Health is the designated drug testing laboratory site. 
• Their address is 1013 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite A, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501. 
• No appointment is necessary. 
• Hours of operation are 8:00-11:45 am and 1:00-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Take the Forensic Drug Testing Custody and Control Form to Ottumwa Regional Health Center Occupational Health Department.  
• Results will be submitted to the Viewpoint Certified Background database from the lab testing site.  

Who gets the results?

• The test results will first be reported to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) associated with Viewpoint for review and interpretation. 

Negative Results:

• Negative Test Result: notice will be posted on the Viewpoint student account of passing the initial drug or alcohol test and this will be flagged as green.

Positive Results:

• If the result is positive, the MRO will contact the student to report a confirmed positive test result to the student. 
• The MRO will directly contact the student to confirm any proof of the student’s prescriptions and make any necessary updates to the positive test result.
• The MRO will contact the student several times a week to report a confirmed positive test result to the student.
• Positive test results will flag as yellow in the student’s ViewPoint portal.
• Directors/Viewpoint administrators will always have access to these flagged results via the student’s health portal
• The student may contact Quest at 800-877-7484. The hours of operation for Quest when making this phone call will be between 8-5 EST.
• Any questions regarding the results of any drug or alcohol test may be directed to the MRO via the chat option in their ViewPoint account.
• The student is responsible for the cost of the second confirmatory test.
• During the second confirmatory process, students may be suspended from the clinical and/or classroom experience.

Right to Secondary Confirmatory Test: 

• A student with a confirmed positive test result may ask for a second confirmatory test using ONLY the results from the first test sample from another approved laboratory within seven days of the IHCC mailing of the positive test results to the student. 
• The confirmatory test will be conducted on a portion of the sample collected at the same time as the sample that produced the positive test result.
• The student is responsible for the cost of the second confirmatory test.
• The sample of the collection test will be split in the presence of the individual student to allow for the confirmatory testing of any initial positive test result.
• During the confirmatory process, students may be suspended from the clinical and/or classroom experience.

Confirmed Positive Results:

• Students with any confirmed positive results will be withdrawn from the program.

Legal Medication/Drugs Notification

• A student must notify the clinical supervisor or Program Director whenever they are using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, which may affect safety or work performance.
• In making this determination, the student is responsible for consulting with their licensed healthcare professional and reviewing any warning on the label to determine if any medication or drug would adversely affect the student’s ability to safely perform essential functions of the clinical or classroom experience. 
• If the student is deemed by a Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner to be safe during the clinical or classroom experience, a “release to attend clinical/classroom document” is required to be signed and kept in the student’s file at IHCC. 
• The student who does not fully disclose this information will be subject to possible disciplinary action which may lead to dismissal from the program.

Prescription medications that do not impair performance may be brought to the clinical site and should be taken as prescribed.  All prescription drugs must be kept in the pharmacy dispensed container.

Testing due to reasonable suspicion:

• Once a student is enrolled in the program, if there is a reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use, the Program Director will have the right to approve an additional drug or alcohol test at the student’s expense. The clinical site also has the right to request a drug/alcohol test at the student’s expense.

Reasonable suspicion may include, but is not limited to:

• Student behavior or conduct including physical manifestations
• Evidence that the involved student has caused or contributed to a clinical or classroom-related accident
• Objective signs that the involved student may have used drugs or alcohol (i.e., slurred speech, staggering gait, the odor of alcohol), or reports from others of a clinical “accident”, slurred speech, etc.

When a Program Director, faculty member, or clinical instructor has suspicion of alcohol or drug use during the clinical experience, the following steps will be taken:

• Remove student from the patient care area or assigned work area and notify the clinical instructor and the Program Director.
• Consult with another faculty, clinical instructor, or employee for verification of suspicions in a confidential manner.
• Upon verification by a second person, inform the student that they are relieved from duty and that there is a need “for cause” drug/alcohol screening.
• If the student admits to alcohol and/or drug use, the student must undergo urine drug testing.
• Pending the resolution of any testing, the student will be suspended from clinical and/or classroom sites.
• A student subsequently found to have positive test results will be removed from the program.
• All incidents involving “reasonable suspicion” drug testing in the clinical setting will be handled with strict confidentiality.
• Costs for “reasonable suspicion” drug testing are the student’s responsibility.

Transportation of student after reasonable suspicion:

• An unimpaired person (such as a family member or friend) or taxi cab must transport the student to nearing testing facility. A release form must be signed by the person transporting the student and provided to the Clinical Supervisor/Program Director. If a taxi is transporting the student, the person observing the student enter the taxi may sign the release form and provide the form to the Clinical Supervisor/Program Director. 
• If the nearest testing facility is at the clinical site, the student should be sent for testing and then an unimpaired individual or taxi cab should take the student home. If a taxi is transporting the student, the person observing the student enter the taxi may sign the release form.
• While awaiting transport, the student should not be allowed to leave a supervisor’s presence or ingest any substances.
• If the student insists on driving, either the clinic supervisor or Program Director will notify law enforcement.
• Pending the resolution of any testing, the student will be suspended from clinical and field sites.  
• A student subsequently found to have positive test results will be removed from the program.

If the student refuses “reasonable suspicion” testing:

• Have an unimpaired individual or taxi take the student home
• Document the following in writing:
  • Student behavior
  • Actions taken
  • Written statement of person verifying behaviors
  • Student’s response
• Contact the Clinical Supervisor/Program Director as soon as possible and deliver written documentation to the Clinical Supervisor/Program Director within 3 days of the incident.
• Students who refuse reasonable suspicion testing will be removed from the program.

If a facility other than the approved testing site at Ottumwa Regional Health Center performs drug/alcohol testing:

• The student is obligated to notify the Program Director of any request by a clinical site for additional testing due to reasonable suspicion. 
• If tested by a clinical site, the student shall provide the Program Director with a copy of any test results. 
• Failure to promptly notify the Program Director shall be ground for dismissal from the program. 
• The student is responsible for any expense incurred with testing.

If a student voluntarily discloses a drug or alcohol problem:

• If a student voluntarily discloses that they have an alcohol/drug problem and requests assistance, they are then referred to their health care provider for appropriate care. 
• Students may be temporarily suspended from the program and/or clinical experience until such time as they have completed drug/alcohol treatment and are considered safe to return to both the classroom and clinical site by a Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.

Minor Students:

• Any minor student under the age of 18 must abide by the criminal background checks and drug screen policy specific to their program of study.
• A parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 18 must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of a copy of this policy.
• Those students who are minors under the age of 18 must obtain parental/legal guardian consent.
• Lack of consent for testing will disqualify the minor from continued clinical participation and participation in the Program.

Providing False Information:

• Any student who provides false information when completing paperwork required for a drug test or when responding to required questions for an alcohol or drug screen test will be removed from the Program. 
• Any student who dilutes, contaminates, tampers with, alters, or interferes in any way with the collection of a specimen for testing purposes will be removed from the program.

Costs:                                                                                                             

• The costs of alcohol or drug rehabilitation, treatment, and counseling will be the responsibility of the student.
• Costs of drug/alcohol testing are the responsibility of the student.

Health Insurance

Students are encouraged to maintain their own personal health care coverage, at their own costs. While a professional experience/practicum sites will make emergency medical care available to students, the student is responsible for the costs. Students may be required by some professional experience/practicum facilities to have proof of health insurance prior to beginning a professional experience/practicum.

Attendance Policy

Prospective employers consider attendance records a good indicator of future employee behavior and typically inquire about the attendance records of the student/graduate.  The faculty consider attendance important because learning rarely takes place if a student is absent, regardless of the reason.

Attendance Policy at the Professional Experience Site

• Students are expected to be present for all professional experiences/practicums.
• If a student is unable to attend, he/she is to report the absence each day to the course instructor via e-mail in the professional experience/practicum course. The Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor at the assigned facility will also be contacted by the student regarding the absence. 
• Professional Experience/Practicum attendance will be documented in the student’s record.
• If a student does not report as scheduled, the Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor and the Program Director will counsel the student. Changes in the schedule, including make-up days must be coordinated and approved by the Program Director.
• Students are required to make up the time for all time missed.
• Students failing to comply with attendance requirements will be terminated from the Professional Experience and may be recommended for dismissal from the program.
• A release from a physician will be required to return to a professional experience/practicum following three (3) or more consecutive days of absence due to illness/injury.
• Children may not attend professional experience/practicum with the parent.
• Before leaving the professional experience/practicum site, the student must report to the Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor.
• If a student is running late, they are responsible for contacting the Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor and provide an estimated time of arrival.

Dress Code

As a student in the Health Information program, you are representing the college and the Health Information profession.  It is imperative that certain standards be met and a dress code followed.  While at the Professional Experience/Practicum, students are to abide by the following dress code.

Professional Experience/Practicum Dress Code 

Students should ask their Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor about the required dress code. Some health care facilities allow “business casual” dress or have “casual Fridays”; others do not.  Follow the direction of your Professional Experience/Practicum Supervisor.

• Business casual dress attire.
• Be clean: brush hair, trim nails, and shave.
• Clothes will be clean, neatly pressed and odor free.
• Avoid heavy perfumes/aftershave, tobacco odors, and deodorant issues.
• Long hair will be pulled back. Beards and mustaches will be neatly trimmed. 
• Use common sense: No jeans or flip-flops. Wear appropriate undergarments. 
• Keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum.
• Wear any identification required by the healthcare facility.
• Remove body piercing jewelry (other than earrings) during on-site hours. Cover tattoos with clothing.

Dress code violations will not be tolerated and are subject to reprimand.  Any student who chooses to disregard the dress code will be verbally warned once and the second infraction will warrant a written warning. A third infraction will result in termination from the professional experience/practicum site.

Professional Conduct

Students in the Health Information Programs must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Inappropriate conduct will result in a conference with the course instructor and the Program Director.  Behavior deemed unprofessional may lead to dismissal from the program. 

Physical Examination

It is required that students in the HIT and MIC programs have a physical examination to ensure that the student is physically able to participate in the activities required of a student. Each student will have a physical performed by licensed qualified personnel limited to: physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. In addition, documentation and/or results of the following immunizations and tests are required:  MMR or Rubella Titer; Two-step Mantoux Skin Test for Tuberculosis; Tetanus/Diphtheria Booster; Covid; Hepatitis B (optional); Varicella (optional); and Influenza (optional, seasonal). Iowa Department of Public Health Medical and Religious Exemption forms will be available to all students. Please refer to Covid Exemption Policy for more information. Falsification of medical records will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the Program. 

Pregnancy Policy

When the student has confirmation of pregnancy, she will be required to submit a statement from a qualified licensed practitioner, indicating the student’s continued ability and/or limitations related to participation in the professional experience/practicum courses. The Leave of Absence policy will be utilized in preparation for the student’s estimated delivery date. 

Blood Borne Pathogens & HIV Policy

Students may be participating in activities within the Health Sciences Programs, which have potential for exposure to infectious diseases including but not limited to Hepatitis B and HIV. Health sciences students must take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure. Students who fail to comply with the blood borne pathogen and HIV policy may be asked to withdraw from the program.

In the event of a significant exposure (e.g. an occupational incident involving eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material, including saliva), the student must report the incident immediately to the instructor or clinical supervisor.  The Program Director will file a report describing the incident to the Dean of Health Sciences.

Follow-up evaluation will be required consistent with Federal regulations.  This may involve the student going to their personal physician or the emergency room. Students are responsible for the cost of their own medical care.

Hepatitis B

It is highly recommended that all students providing direct patient or child care in the Health Sciences Division receive immunization against Hepatitis B.  Although this is not required, it is highly recommended and is considered to be an extremely good investment. Students are particularly vulnerable to contamination as their hand washing skills generally are not yet well developed. Although the incidence of the infection is relatively low, the outcome can be fatal. Since there is a vaccine available, all health care providers who are at risk are encouraged to become immunized.

The Disease

Health care professionals are at increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is usually spread by contact with infected blood or blood products and the risk of acquiring Hepatitis B increases with the frequency of blood contact. Hepatitis B virus may also be found in other body fluids, such as urine, tears, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Hepatitis B infection can have severe consequences, including progressive liver damage and the possibility of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Six to ten percent of the people who contract the virus become chronic carriers.

The Vaccine

Vaccination is the only available means of protection against Hepatitis B. No currently available therapy has proven effective in eliminating the infection. This vaccine, prepared from recombinant yeast cultures, is free of association with human blood or blood products. Full immunization requires three doses of the vaccine over a six month period.  Because of the long incubation period for Hepatitis B, it is possible for an unrecognized infection to be present at the time the vaccine is given, and in that case, the vaccine would not prevent development of clinical hepatitis.

Procedures

You will need your physician’s approval or order prior to being immunized. He or she will provide you with information regarding the contraindications and side effects of the vaccine. Contact your physician for additional information.

Education

As part of the curriculum all students in Health Science programs will receive instruction regarding Hepatitis B and HIV prior to providing patient care. This instruction shall include but not be limited to:

• Epidemiology
• Method of transmission
• Standard blood and body fluid precautions
• Types of protective clothing and equipment
• Work practices appropriate to the skills they will perform
• Location of appropriate clothing and equipment
• How to properly use, handle, and dispose of contaminated articles
• Action to be taken in the event of spills or personal exposure
• Appropriate confidentiality and reporting requirements
• Review of program policy related to refusal to care for specific patients

Post Exposure Procedure for Health Sciences Students

If a student has been exposed to a contaminant parenterally (needle stick or cut) or superficially through a mucous membrane (eye or mouth) they are to follow the following procedure:

• Immediately wash the affected area with the appropriate solution (soap and water, alcohol, water),
• Seek appropriate medical attention through their personal physician (students are responsible for their own medical care).  This may include baseline testing for HIV antibody at this time, followed by recommended series of testing.  (Physicians may also inquire about the student’s status in regard to tetanus and hepatitis immunization at this time.)
• Follow institutional (agency) policy regarding determining HIV and hepatitis status of patient, (students are responsible for the cost of any testing)
• Maintain confidentiality of patient
• Seek appropriate counseling regarding risk of infection.

Guidelines for HIV Positive Health Care Providers

• The Center for Disease Control has specific guidelines for health care workers which are revised periodically.  They have been incorporated into these policies and are reviewed annually.
• There shall be no routine serological testing or monitoring of students for Hepatitis B or HIV infection.
• Barrier or standard blood and body fluid precautions are to be used routinely for all patients.  These include:
• The use of glove(s) when:
  • Cleaning rectal and genital areas;
  • Carrying soiled linen;
  • Bathing patients, if the student has a cut on the hand;
  • Suctioning or irrigating even if the orifice does not require sterile technique;
  • There is, at any time, a possibility of spillage of blood or body fluid onto the student’s hands, (i.e. accucheck, discontinuing an I.V., I.M.s) regardless of the presence of open lesions;
  • Emptying urine drainage bags, suction catheters, colostomy and ileostomy pouches; and
  • Providing mouth care.
• The use of masks, goggles or glasses and/or aprons when there is a possibility of fluids splashing onto the face or body and clothing.

Specific Guidelines for Known HIV - Infected Health Sciences Students

• HIV positive health sciences students who do not perform invasive procedures need not be restricted from work/clinical experience unless they have other illnesses or signs and symptoms for which such restrictions would be warranted.
• HIV positive health sciences students should wear gloves for direct contact with mucous membrane or non-intact skin of patients.
• HIV positive health sciences students who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should refrain from direct patient care and from handling patient care equipment and utensils.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made within the curriculum to assist the HIV positive student to meet course/program objectives.
• The policy of agencies utilized for clinical experience will supersede college policy if they are more stringent.
• Confidentiality will be maintained whenever possible, with only the appropriate individual(s) being informed of the HIV status of health science students.

Provision of Care

Assignments are made in the clinical setting to enhance and/or reinforce student learning. It is the expectation that students will provide care for clients to whom they are assigned. In the event that a student refuses to care for an individual the following will occur:

• In consultation with the student the faculty member will determine the reason for the refusal.
• If the reason is determined to be valid the student will be reassigned.
• If the reason is not valid the student will be counseled about unethical conduct and discriminating against a client regarding but not limited to the following: Age, race, sex, economic status or illness of the patient or client.
• If it is determined that the reason for refusal to care for specific individual is as noted above, the student will be counseled to consider their future in health care.
• The Dean shall be notified of any such occurrence and may meet with the student along with the faculty member to discuss options, one of which may be withdrawal from the program.

Covid Exemption Policy

Students assigned to a clinical facility that has a COVID vaccination requirement for staff and students, and also allows medical or religious exemption requests, may request an exemption if they choose not to receive vaccination. 

If the facility has their own internal form that students are allowed to use, students assigned to the facility may submit an exemption request, following the approval process outlined by the facility.  For facilities that do not have an exemption request form available to students, but do allow requests, the Iowa Department of Public Health exemption request form will be used. 

Requests are submitted to the program director of the student’s program.  Program directors will ensure that forms are properly completed, and notarized for religious exemption requests.  Forms will be kept on file in the program director’s office, unless requested by the clinical facility.

Properly completed forms will follow these steps:

Medical Exemptions:

• Student has used correct form provided by relevant clinical site or is using the IDPH medical form
• COVID vaccination is specifically noted as exempt
• Form is properly filled out
• Form is signed by an MD, DO, PA or NP
• Form/certificate has an expiration date (not to exceed 60 days)
• Form has been submitted to the Program Director in a timely manner

Religious Exemptions:

• Student has used the correct form provided by relevant clinical site or is using the IDPH religious exemption form
• Form is appropriately filled out
• Form is notarized
• Form has been submitted to the Program Director in a timely manner

Grades

The Health Sciences Division uses a standard grading scale and is as follows:

A=93%-100%

B=85%-92%

C=78%-84%

D=75%-77%

F=0%-74%

All programs in the Health Sciences Division are required to adhere to this standard. Specific evaluation/grading criteria for individual courses are outlined on the course syllabi and provided to students in a written format on the first day of class. The specified grading criteria may not be changed during the course. 

Class attendance may not be used as evaluation criteria. Points may not be awarded for classroom/clinical attendance; however, points may be awarded for participation in classroom activities (i.e. participation in case study presentations, review activities, pop quizzes).

In order to graduate, a student must receive a passing grade in all core courses listed for that major and achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or above. This is equivalent to a “C” average.

Minimum satisfactory scholastic achievement is represented by a 2.0 grade point average each term of enrollment. Students who fall below this level will be placed on academic probation for the following term. Students who fail to achieve a 2.0 GPA during their probationary term may then be dismissed from their current program or college.  Students not dismissed must have permission from the Dean and from the Registrar to re-enroll for the next term. Very poor work in any term, however, may result in dismissal at the close of that term. Academic probation may affect financial aid. The student is encouraged to see a financial aid counselor for clarification of an individual situation.

Students who are unable to complete assigned work in a course may be given a grade of “I” (incomplete). Students must complete the assigned work as soon as possible (at the discretion of the instructor/department chair), but no later than six weeks into the following term. Grades for courses left with an “I” past the six-week completion period will automatically convert to “F”.

To progress through the Program a student must achieve a passing grade in all non-core prerequisite courses. Students will first contact the course instructor regarding questions with individual course assignments and grades.  

Students must pass program core courses with a minimum of a “C”, or a 78% to progress in the program core courses. Students who fail to earn a “C” or better in a core course will be required to repeat the course at its next offering, typically in two terms. If a student does not pass a core program course with at least a C or 78%, after two attempts, they will be dismissed from the program. The student may re-apply to the program the next official start time – Spring or Fall Term. Students may be readmitted to the program following withdrawal or suspension by following the Re-Entry Procedure.

The following are considered core courses for each of the programs in the Health Informatics Program.

Health Sciences grading is based on the following percentage scale:

You may compute your GPA at any time by following this example:

Total Grade Points divided by Credit Hours attended (excluding pass/fail credit hours)

Grade Point Average (GPA) = 32/11 = 2.91 GPA

Conferences will be scheduled periodically to discuss grades, progress, and concerns. Students may schedule conferences with the instructor or program director at any time. Students are expected to take the initiative in scheduling conferences when grades fall below average!

Grades are based upon individual achievement, not upon the relative performance of the whole class. Should a student be unable to complete some portion of assigned course work during the regular term, a mark of “I” (incomplete) may be assigned. The student must then finish incomplete course work by midterm of the next term. “Incomplete” grades automatically convert to the letter grade “F” unless the work is satisfactorily completed within the time period specified.

Students wishing to withdraw from the program are required to contact the Program Director who will complete the required withdrawal forms. Proper withdrawal procedures ensure a student does not receive failing grades for all of the courses enrolled in at the time of withdrawal. Withdrawals must be completed prior to two weeks before the end of the term.

Testing

The Health Informatics Programs have the following policies regarding testing. Students are responsible for reading the course syllabus and course schedule and any course orientation materials to understand any course-specific or instructor-specific policies.

• Tests are given throughout each course. Each instructor will determine the time of the tests and a schedule will be provided to the student.
• Students enrolled in online courses will be given a zero for submitting late assignments or not submitting examinations according to the course schedule.
• Students enrolled in online courses will be required to utilize software applications to monitor examinations virtually.

Faculty Advising & Mentoring Plan - Health Information Programs

The Health Information Program Director has responsibility for overall academic advising such as providing:

• Instructions for WebAdvisor Student Planning
• Academic advising in addition to the Health Sciences Academic Advisor WebAdvisor
• Obtaining unofficial transcripts from WebAdvisor
• Scheduling assistance
• Assistance with student questions and concerns
• Documentation of student retention and attrition

Procedures

• Students will be provided with a Program Policy Manual during Orientation
• Students will be provided their Program Evaluation following completion of Orientation, prior to registering for courses.
• Every student will be provided a Program Evaluation at midterm every term.
• Relevant policies will be shared with students at the beginning of each term, i.e. grading and progression policies. A standard document communicating this information will be created and placed in each online course.
• The program policy manual will be updated as needed to address pertinent issues.

Faculty Mentoring Procedure

• Individual faculty are responsible for communicating early and regularly with students in their courses.  A sign of concern would be non-submission of weekly assignments in online courses and/or low scores on said assignments and tests. These communications should be documented. 
• Midterm Conference Reports: Individual faculty will complete and send individual conference reports to students earning a grade of D or below at mid-term.  Students will be provided with advice regarding course completion potential.
  • Conference reports should include suggestions for course improvement / tutoring assistance, withdrawal dates, and the need for a passing grade of at least 78% in all program core courses to continue in the program.
  • Faculty will forward copies of mid-term conference forms and mid-term grades to the Health Informatics Program Director within one week of mid-term.
• Final Conference Reports: To support timely withdrawal from a course, faculty will begin communications with students who have current grades of a D or F by week 8 or 9 of a term.  Include reminders of the last date to withdraw and the necessary information to provide. 
• All faculty will retain documentation of additional student conferences/communications.  These can be forwarded to the Health Information Program Director at the conclusion of a course.

Student Conference Report

A Conference Report is completed any time that an instructor meets with a student regarding a concern (i.e. grades, study habits, attendance, clinical/practicum or classroom behaviors, communication problems). The Conference Report is completed indicating the reason for the conference, documentation to support the concern and recommendations to resolve the concern. If appropriate, the final date to withdraw is included on the conference report. 

The student must sign the Conference Report to indicate that it was read. If the student refuses to sign the report, the person completing the forms should indicate the reason for the student’s failure to sign and sign his/her name and date by the reason. Signing the Conference Report does not imply agreement with what is written. The student should always be offered the opportunity to respond to the conference with a written statement on the form. If the student requests, a copy of the Conference Report should be provided.  The completed Conference Report is then placed in the student’s file. 

Indian Hills Community College Health Information Programs Complaint Process

Due Process

The IHCC Grievance and Appeals Procedure provide the format for handling student grievances.  The student appeals process is specified in the IHCC College Catalog.

Program Complaints

Accredited programs are subject to complaints from students and other public stakeholders. IHCC Health Informatics programs will initiate the required process for investigating these concerns. Complaints must not be anonymous. Complaints that occur outside the realm of due process follow the protocol identified in the IHCC Catalog.  All attempts to resolve complaints will be first addressed in the Health Sciences Division. For example, complaints from communities of interest (employers, clinical education sites and the public) are first addressed by the appropriate Program Director.  If resolution of the situation does not occur after meeting with the complainant, the Program Director will make the individuals aware of the following process:

Complaint Process

• If the situation was not resolved after meeting with the Department Chair/Program Director, the complainant will be instructed to submit a written complaint outlining the problem to the Associate Dean within three (3) working days.
• Upon receipt of the complaint, the Associate Dean will schedule a meeting with the individual filing the complaint within three (3) working days and attempt to resolve the issue.
• If the problem is not resolved the complainant will have three (3) working days to request a hearing with the Dean of Career and Technical Education.
• The Dean of Career and Technical Education will hold a hearing within three (3) working days of the request and receive all evidence by listening to the testimony of the student and other relevant witnesses and considering any relevant documents.
• Within two working (2) days the Dean of Career and Technical Education will issue a decision.

Appeal of Final Grade

To view the full Appeal of Final Grade Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.

Academic Misconduct Policy

To view the full Academic Misconduct Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.

Leave of Absence

Students wishing to take a leave of absence from the Program must submit a written request to the Program Director. A leave of absence may be granted for emergencies including:  hospitalization, birth of a child, or death in the student’s immediate family. A leave of absence may be granted if:

• The student has demonstrated the ability to meet the performance expectations of the program
• The student and faculty are able to develop a curricular plan that assures the student’s progression through the program.
• The student must be able to meet course requirements no later than six (6) weeks following the date the leave of absence is granted, following the Incomplete Grades policy, as described in the College Catalog.

Counseling

Instructors, Program Director, Associate Dean and Executive Dean are available for Academic Counseling. Further counseling is available to students through assigned counselors or by student choice. The program faculty has open office hours. Students are welcome anytime. Counseling will always be held confidential and conducted in a professional manner.

We have included the following table to help make suggestions for who you should seek assistance and guidance from for different circumstances that come up…

Who to Call

Social Media Policy

Social Media is a dynamic platform for interaction through words, images, audio and video.  Examples of these sites include, but are not limited to:  Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and many more. The Health Informatics Technology Program at Indian Hills Community College respects the rights of its faculty and students to use social media outlets as a means of self-expression. However, posts made on social media sites may become viral at any time or may be available on public platforms potentially permanently; even when they have been deleted from the website to which they were originally posted. Social media sites have the potential to reflect both negatively and positively on any user’s future and their future employment. Students and faculty at IHCC have both ethical and legal obligations with any social media communications. Thus, IHCC has adopted this social media policy for its faculty and students. It is the expectation of the college that its content will be adhered to.

The intent of the policy is not to restrict the flow of communication, but to provide guidance for professional, ethical and legal interactions for all of the participants. The following, are examples of students conduct that in any form of social media are considered unprofessional and may result in disciplinary action and or dismissal from the program.   

• Posting or discussing confidential patient/family information or photographs. IHCC considers confidentiality of our patients and families to be of the utmost importance.  Any direct or indirect disclosure of patient or family information is subject to disciplinary action/termination.
• Posting or discussing information about IHCC, IHCC Services, clients, employees, or anyone associated with the college.
• Posting or discussing defamatory or false information about IHCC, college services, clients, vendors, employees or anyone associated with the college that is disparaging in nature.
• Harassing of discriminatory postings of any discussions concerning anyone associated with IHCC.   Students are expressly prohibited from using any social media platform to harass, bully or intimidate other students, faculty or anyone associated with the college.  This would include the following: Derogatory comments with regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, Veteran status, etc.  This includes any and all other protected class or status information recognized by federal, state and local laws.
• Sexually suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments.
• Threats to intimidate of physically harm an employee, student, of anyone associated or affiliated with the college.
• Speaking or posting in any way on behalf of the college without explicit permission of the President of the College.
• Posting work related pictures of college employees, students of anyone associated with the college without that persons’ permission.
• Students are not allowed to access social media sites during any class or clinical without the express permission of the classroom or clinical instructor. Students doing this for any non-school related purposes will be subject to disciplinary action/termination.
• Additionally, students who identify themselves in any social media platform as an IHCC student must recognize and adhere to the following additional guidelines. Others may view you as a representative of the college.  Because of this distinct possibility, students who choose to identify themselves in this manner are required, as a condition of their enrollment, to observe some additional guidelines when referring to the college, college employees, faculty, its’ programs and activities. Students who identify themselves as an IHCC student must be respectful of all social media platforms and communications that make reference to IHCC, its employees, faculty or anyone associated with IHCC. Any obscenities, profanity, vulgar language or images are prohibited.
• Any discussions referencing conduct that is prohibited by the college or college policies is prohibited.

Any failure on the part of the student to comply with these guidelines for social media conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the college.

Non-Discrimination Statement

To view the full Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook or the college website.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

To view the full Sexual Misconduct Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook or the college website.

Placement Services

Placement services are available to assist students, graduates and alumni in obtaining employment. Contacts with health care facilities are maintained to help individuals find employment. Every reasonable effort is made to assist the student in finding satisfactory job opportunities. Students, graduates and alumni may view job openings on the Indian Hills Community College Website, graduate and alumni email, IHCC Health Informatics Facebook page and other social media outlets.

IHCC Health Informatics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ihcchealthinformatics/

Please refer to the IHCC Student Handbook and IHCC College Catalog for a full listing of college-wide policies, procedures and available services and resources, including Career Coach. 

Career Coach: https://indianhills.emsicareercoach.com/

Professional Associations - Student Membership

Students in the HIT and MIC programs are required to become student members of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)  www.ahima.org. Cost of a student membership is $49.00 annually.

PLEASE NOTE: Cost may be higher if student has prior college experience or is already working in healthcare. 

Staff Directory

For a full listing of Faculty members please visit the faculty directory in the College Catalog & Student Handbook or search the Online Faculty/Staff Directory.

IHCC has a toll-free line, 1-800-726-2585.  The extension you desire would be the last four numbers of the regular telephone number.

IHCC normal business hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.