What is the primary role of a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) in health information management?

The primary role of a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) in health information management is to manage and protect patient information. This encompasses overseeing the collection, storage, retrieval, and sharing of health data within healthcare organizations. The RHIA ensures that patient information is maintained accurately and securely, complying with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards. They play a critical role in safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality, as well as implementing information governance practices that align with best practices in health information management.

By managing electronic health records (EHRs) and other health information systems, an RHIA also works to improve the quality and efficiency of health information processes. Their expertise is vital for ensuring that patient data is accessible to authorized users while also preventing unauthorized access, making them indispensable in the healthcare delivery system.