NASHVILLE, TN— August 1, 2024
The TN HIMSS Chapter proudly achieved the prestigious CHANGEMAKER status, the highest level of HIMSS Chapter Advocacy recognition, by undertaking a series of impactful activities in the fiscal year 2023-2024. We developed and regularly updated an advocacy action plan, conducting board meetings and strategic planning sessions to ensure continuous progress and address challenges.
As part of our advocacy efforts, we organized a Chapter Advocacy Day with visits to key state government officials, including meetings with the TN Speaker of the House and TN State Senator Shane Reeves to discuss healthcare IT issues. We also influenced policy by signing a letter to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) supporting a budget increase.
Advocacy and public policy were integrated into various chapter events, such as the Summit24 Policy Panel, the Generative AI Hackathon with a keynote from US Senator Marsha Blackburn, and the Global Health Equity Week webinar. We promoted virtual campaigns on the HIMSS Legislative Action Center to members and the public. Additionally, we monitored relevant legislation and provided summaries to members and policymakers, spreading awareness about HIMSS’s mission and priorities through blogging, the chapter website, and social media.
Our collaborative efforts included participating in roundtables and meetings with government officials, such as a roundtable with Senator Marsha Blackburn and a meeting with Brett Meeks and the TN Department of Health CIO regarding a state-wide Health Information Exchange feasibility study.
These activities reflect our dedication to advocacy and our significant role in influencing healthcare IT policy. Our efforts have not only met but exceeded the requirements for the CHANGEMAKER status, showcasing our leadership and commitment to advancing health information technology.
About TN HIMSS: The Tennessee Chapter of HIMSS is dedicated to improving healthcare through the advancement of information technology. With a membership base of over 2,000 professionals, TN HIMSS provides leadership, professional development, and networking opportunities to its members and the broader healthcare community.
For more information, please visit www.tnhimss.org.
Media Contact: Tiffany Madigan
Executive Director, TN HIMSS
tiffany@tnhimss.org