Survey introduction: Currently, AHIMA has established that Delegate terms are from July through June. The House of Delegates meeting is in September/October. AHIMA Bylaws require that proposals for AHIMA Bylaw changes be submitted 60 days prior to the House of Delegates meeting. Essentially, this timeline leaves our first-year Delegates approximately 30 days to get up to speed on issues impacting the membership and the potential options for changing AHIMA Bylaws. The MoHIMA Board is considering a change that will provide a learning opportunity for new Delegates.
To address this abbreviated learning curve, MoHIMA is considering establishing a Delegate-elect position. The position’s term will start in July 2026. As Delegate-elect, they would participate in House of Delegates virtual meetings as an observer (without vote) and throughout the year become prepared to speak to proposed AHIMA Bylaw changes for the House of Delegates meeting that they attend as an official Delegate the following year.
This change requires an individual running for the position of Delegate to serve one year as Delegate-Elect and two years as Delegate. During the two years they serve as Delegates, they will attend the House of Delegates, which is now held in person at the beginning of the AHIMA convention. During the year as Delegate-Elect, they may attend the House of Delegates meeting (at their own expense) as an Observer. Finally, as Delegate-Elect they will have exofficio (voice, no vote) at MoHIMA Board meetings. Once they transition from the Delegate-Elect position to Delegate, they will have voice and voting rights.
To transition this change into our current structure, the proposal is to select this year's election Delegate runner-up for the 2026-2027 Board year. The runner-up, if the individual accepts, will become Delegate-elect as of July 1, 2026. Thereafter, instead of a Delegate position on our MoHIMA ballot, a Delegate-Elect position will be on the ballot. The individual elected will serve one year as Delegate-Elect and two years as Delegate.
We ask your input on this proposal. Please answer the following questions: