AHIOS supports patients, providers and healthcare facilities by ensuring secure access to patient protected health information (PHI) and adherence to standards of excellence for the release of information (ROI) industry.

Established in 1996, members of the Association of Health Information Outsourcing Services (AHIOS) promote patient privacy, secure data exchange and health equity by adhering to continually changing state and federal regulations that govern release of information. AHIOS balances the timely and secure transmission of health information to drive quality care for every individual while ensuring the highest standards of privacy.

Through its singular focus on patient data, the ROI industry enhances healthcare operations and reduces costs by allowing providers to concentrate on direct patient care. The trade association educates providers on processes related to the secure handling and release of patient data. It also works with state and federal agencies on the impact of legislative and regulatory initiatives on the timely and secure release of patient data.

AHIOS has also developed:

• A code of ethics, standards and professional values for health information management
• The Certified Release of Information Specialist (CRIS) competency program that tests ROI staff knowledge in protecting the confidentiality of patients’ PHI
• Educational programs to inform industry leaders how to remain compliant with healthcare’s complex regulatory environment