Gregory Davis, MSHIMA President and Kelly Williams, First-Year Delegate

MSHIMA leadership, including the President, President-elect, and first year Delegate, participated in the 2026 AHIMA House of Delegates meeting, contributing to important discussions about the future of the health information (HI) profession.

The morning session included voting on several routine business items and receiving updates from AHIMA leadership regarding organizational initiatives, priorities, and plans for the future.

During the afternoon session, delegates participated in strategic planning discussions designed to help shape AHIMA's future direction. A significant focus was the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the HI profession and the resources needed to support professionals as AI continues to transform healthcare.

Delegates provided input on the types of AI resources, tools, and educational opportunities needed to prepare the HI workforce for these changes. These conversations emphasized the importance of AI governance education, including responsible AI implementation, data integrity, privacy, compliance, and ethical considerations. Delegates also stressed the need to incorporate AI education into health information academic programs while expanding continuing education and professional development opportunities for current HI professionals.

The discussions reinforced the importance of ensuring that HI professionals are not only prepared to use emerging AI technologies but are also equipped to participate in developing governance practices and organizational policies that guide their responsible use.

Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. MSHIMA representatives strengthened connections within our own leadership team while engaging with delegates from other states to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss common challenges and opportunities facing the HI profession. These interactions offered fresh perspectives and opportunities to bring innovative ideas and best practices back to Mississippi.

MSHIMA was proud to contribute to these important conversations and provide input on the future direction of AHIMA. Our participation reflects our continued commitment to advancing the HI profession, fostering collaboration across state associations, supporting professional education, and ensuring that Mississippi's HI professionals have a voice in shaping the future of healthcare.

Mississippi on the AHIMA26 Stage

On Monday, October 5, I was recognized at the opening general session as a new Fellow of AHIMA. Right after that, I sat on the "A Conversation with AHIMA Fellows" panel with Katherine Lusk, Debi Primeau, and Teresa Smithrud. Charniece J. Martin and Kimberly McGhee from AHIMA's Emerging Professionals Advisory Council moderated, and we talked about how each of us got where we are, what we have learned along the way, and advice for people building their HI careers.

Ketyra, who is Assistant HIM Director at Forrest Health, presented in the next session block. Her session, "Value-Based Purchasing and HIM Data Integrity: Reducing CMS Penalties Through Coding, CDI, and Quality Alignment," covered how HVBP, HRRP, the HAC Reduction Program, and PSI-90 depend on accurate coding, POA reporting, and clinical documentation, and how gaps in those areas can turn into penalties for hospitals. She also shared strategies for governance and audit readiness. It was great to see one of our own on the national stage.

Reflections from Our President-elect

Ketyra Clayton, MSHIMA President-elect

"AHIMA26 and the House of Delegates provided an inspiring opportunity to connect, collaborate, and reflect on the future of HIM. I was encouraged by AHIMA's emphasis on innovation and artificial intelligence, along with its renewed commitment to member engagement, connection, and support.

Presenting on Value-Based Purchasing reinforced the impact our expertise can have beyond our individual organizations. The experience also strengthened my interest in AHIMA leadership and advocating for HIM's role in AI governance.

My final thoughts: Share your expertise, pursue leadership opportunities, and embrace innovation. Together, we can help shape the future of our profession."

Looking Ahead

AI governance and data integrity came up again and again, both at HOD and throughout the conference. MSHIMA will keep those topics in front of our members through our education this year. If you have thought about presenting, volunteering, or serving in a leadership role, I encourage you to go for it. Ketyra is a good example of what that can look like.

Mark your calendars: AHIMA27 will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, September 12 to 14, 2027. I hope to see even more Mississippi members there.

Thank you to Kelly and Ketyra for representing MSHIMA so well.

The Mississippi Health Information Management Association (MSHIMA) is proud to recognize its President, Gregory Davis, MHIIM, RN, RHIA, FAHIMA, for earning the prestigious Fellow of the American Health Information Management Association (FAHIMA) designation. Davis received this distinction in December 2025 and was recently featured in the October 1, 2026, edition of the Journal of AHIMA for his professional accomplishments and commitment to advancing the health information profession.

The AHIMA Fellowship Program recognizes professionals who have demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to health information management through leadership, professional practice, education, innovation, and service. Davis joins a distinguished group of approximately 240 health information professionals who have earned this recognition.

Throughout his career, Davis has held numerous leadership and professional positions, including adjunct professor of health information management, clinical documentation integrity specialist, healthcare risk and compliance manager, and coding and CDI manager. He currently serves as Director of Clinical Documentation Integrity at Catholic Health while also providing leadership to Mississippi's health information professionals as MSHIMA President.

In the Journal of AHIMA feature, Davis emphasized that earning fellowship recognition is not simply about professional achievement but also about mentoring and supporting the next generation of health information leaders. His commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing reflects the mission of both AHIMA and MSHIMA.

Davis also participated in the "A Conversation with AHIMA Fellows" panel discussion during the AHIMA26 Conference in San Antonio on October 5, sharing insights about career development, professional growth, and leadership within the industry.

MSHIMA congratulates President Gregory Davis on this outstanding professional achievement and thanks him for his continued dedication to advancing the health information management profession in Mississippi and beyond. His recognition as an AHIMA Fellow is a testament to his leadership, expertise, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Read the full AHIMA article: https://journal.ahima.org/page/fellowship-program-recognizes-hi-professionals-contributions-to-the-industry

Two MSHIMA Board members attended the AHIMA Advocacy Summit in March in Washington, DC. Courtney Jernigan, LPN, RHIA, and Ketyra Clayton, RHIA, joined colleagues from across the country to advocate for key health information management policies with Mississippi’s Congressional delegation. A primary focus of this year’s efforts was support for establishing a national patient identifier, which would enable electronic medical records to more securely and efficiently share patient information through a unified system. Their participation highlights MSHIMA’s continued commitment to advancing policies that strengthen data integrity, interoperability, and patient care. 

It's that time again to nominate a colleague for one of three opportunities through the Mississippi Health Information Management Association.

Board of Directors Have you been looking to advance your leadership and serve in a MSHIMA volunteer leadership role? Now is your chance! Open positions for the 2026 ballot include President-Elect, First Year Delegate, Northern Liaison, Central Liaison, Southern Liaison, and Nominating Committee (3 positions).  To nominate, please send the nominees' name, contact information and a 4 sentence bio of the candidate to Dr. Alicia Watts at awatts@wmcarey.edu. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 27, 2026.

Scholarship Awards MSHIMA is pleased to award deserving students with scholarships to offset the cost of advancing their careers. If you are a student deserving of such an award, or if you know of an HIM student in one of Mississippi's certified HIM programs deserving of a scholarship, please submit To apply, a student should submit: (1) a typed essay that includes: why he/she chose a career in HIM and why he/she should be considered for the scholarship (2) proof of AHIMA student membership with MS being listed as state of residence (3) letter of reference from program director or instructor that includes the student’s achievements, student’s GPA (which must be a minimum of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and verification that the student plans to maintain enrollment in HIT/HIM related courses during the next academic year, and (4) resume to include education, work/volunteer experience, honors/awards, and organizational memberships. Click here to apply for a scholarship.  The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8, 2026.

Award Nominations MSHIMA awards exceptional HIM professionals during its annual convention, which will be held June 10-12, 2026 in Hattiesburg. Click here to view award categories. If you or a colleague are deserving of one of MSHIMA's awards, complete our Award Nomination Form. The deadline is Friday, May 8, 2026.

I hope you’ve all been doing well and having a great month. Don’t forget to register and help spread the word about our Intensive Clinical Coding Review & Skills Development course, happening January 24th & 31st, 2026. It’s a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and get ready for the year ahead. Also, mark your calendars- the 2026 Mississippi Health Information Management Conference is set for June 10th–12th! More details will be coming soon, but we’re excited to bring the MSHIMA community together again. We have so many wonderful things planned for members in the new year, so stay tuned! Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy the season and look forward to seeing you in 2026. Stay code-tastic, Ashley Stanford MSHIMA President

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, introducing several major reforms aimed at improving payment accuracy and patient care. Notably, Medicare payments to physicians could increase by up to 3.8%, with the full adjustment going to providers participating in outcome-based payment models, marking a shift after years of stagnant or reduced reimbursements. CMS is also proposing a move away from relying solely on AMA RUC-derived data to a more objective, data-driven method for determining physician payment values. The rule places a strong emphasis on primary care and chronic disease management by introducing new performance metrics and eliminating low-impact quality measures. Additionally, CMS is targeting excessive spending and potential fraud by reforming how skin substitutes are reimbursed—treating them as incident-to supplies—which could reduce related expenditures by up to 90%. These proposals underscore CMS’s commitment to aligning payments with value, prevention, and integrated behavioral health.

On September 9th, 2025, Mississippi HIMSS leadership joined Governor Tate Reeves for the signing of a proclamation declaring October 7, 2025, as Mississippi Health Information Technology Day — recognizing the role of digital innovation, clinical informatics, and healthcare IT in improving outcomes across our state.

Hey all! Hope everything is going well. In October, we will be sending representatives from the board to HOD. If you have any issues you would like them to present, please send them to mshima@mshima.org. We are also working on getting a CCS bootcamp set up. If there are other topics that you feel would be beneficial to our profession, let us know so we can get information and do a webinar or on-demand session. We realize that we can’t get all topics covered during the annual conference. We want to be here to serve our profession. Also know that there are opportunities within the state with local area councils. If you would like more information on that, please let us know.  Stay code-tastic, Ashley Stanford MSHIMA President

President’s Message

Hey MSHIMA Data Ninjas, Welcome to the Mississippi Health Information Management Association- MSHIMA, where we make health records better looking than a perfectly coded CPT! Whether you’re a brand-new member still learning the difference between HIPAA and a hippo, a grizzled HIM veteran who dreams of ICD-10, or just here to swipe the free coffee at our meet-ups, we’re over-the-moon excited to have you in our chart-topping crew! Let’s give a big shout-out to our fearless leaders, the board members, who are steering the MSHIMA ship with more finesse than a coder nailing a 7th-character ICD-10 code on the first try. With them at the helm, we’re ready to keep the data flowing smoother than a well-audited revenue cycle. HIM pros like you are the unsung heroes of healthcare, wrestling rogue EHRs, taming wild spreadsheets, and decoding physician handwriting that looks like it was scribbled by a caffeinated squirrel. At MSHIMA, we’re here to cheer you on with the tools, laughs, and maybe a few sanity-saving tips to keep you thriving. We’ve got a year packed with more action than a last-minute Meaningful Use audit! Picture our annual conference (example: less “death by PowerPoint,” more “HIM party of the year”), local meet-ups where you can trade war stories about SNOMED-CT nightmares, and workshops to keep your skills sharper than a coder’s red pen. Want to dive deeper? Join a committee, share your epic ideas, or just show up to commiserate about that one time you spent three hours fixing a single DRG code. (We’ve all been there, right?) Swing by our website www.mshima.org or ping us at mshima@mshima.org to get the lowdown on what’s coming up. Your passion and wit are what make MSHIMA the hottest ticket in HIM, so don’t leave us hanging like an unresolved claim- jump in and let’s make some healthcare magic! Thanks for joining the MSHIMA squad. Here’s to a year of slaying data dragons, dodging PHI breaches, and maybe even surviving the next EMR upgrade with a smile, all under the current board members' awesome leadership! Stay code-tastic, Ashley Stanford MSHIMA President