HIM ADVOCACY AWARD:  An award to recognize HIM Change Agent(s) awarded in memory of Dorothy (Dot) Grandolfi-Wagg.

What is Advocacy? The Random House Dictionary defines advocacy as “the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending.” An advocate is “a person who pleads for or in behalf of another.”  The HIM Advocacy Award recognizes an agent of change who promotes HIM initiatives.  Nominations can be made here.

Congratulations to this year's recipient - Rita Bowen, MA, RHIA, CHPS, CHPC, SSGB who was presented with the award on Friday, November 3, 2023. 

Past Winners of the HIM Advocacy Award (In memory of Dorothy Wagg, JD, RHIA since 2003)

  • 2009 Nancy Stanton, RHIA & Luisa Dileso, MS, RHIA, CCS
  • 2010 Anuj Goel, Esq & Karen Granoff -Policy Mass Hospital Association
  • 2011 Heather Hedlund, RHIA, CHPS
  • 2012 Not awarded
  • 2013 Karen Griffin
  • 2014 Colin Zick, Esq.
  • 2015 Senator Bruce Tarr
  • 2016 Linda Mancini, Esq.
  • 2017 Barry Libman, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CCS
  • 2018 Not awarded
  • 2019 Bibiana Von Malder, RHIT
  • 2020 Norma Chitvanni, RHIT, CHPS
  • 2021 Ann Dooley, RHIA
  • 2022 Dena M. Castricone, Esq., CIPP/US, CIPM and Sharon S. Kamowitz, J.D., CIPP/US
  • 2023 Rita Bowen, MA, RHIA, CHPS, CHPC, SSGB

Examples:

  • Advancing legislative initiatives that promote the interests of the HIM profession or that further the goals of MaHIMA at a state and national level
  • Advocacy of patient rights and confidentiality; educating the public regarding health information; or support and promotion of professional practice standards.
  • Advocate for HIM related issues to government officials and/or committees
  • Increase the influence and involvement of the HIM profession in the regulatory arena
  • Promote MaHIMA as the trusted HIM source in the workplace and by the public
  • Aid in developing different roles in the workplace to increase the number of job opportunities for HIM professionals
  • Presentation of legislative and regulatory topics at educational events to raise awareness among the HIM profession
  • Consistent leadership and/or active involvement on committees that advance and support MaHIMA and the HIM profession
  • Contribute to an environment that advances and supports the HIM profession to the general public or at a legislative level
  • Presentations or presentation support on HIM topics to healthcare organizations and networks, insurers, regulatory agencies, patient groups or meetings of allied professional groups
  • Development of multi-media presentation materials, educational materials, tool kits and other materials promoting HIM or HIM-related topics

Eligible Candidates:

  • MaHIMA member or non-member
  • Individual, team, or group

Guidelines

  • Describe in detail the role and involvement of the individual(s). Please include an outline of the specific examples, challenges and outcomes.
  • The award-worthy effort must have occurred and been largely completed within 24 months of the award submission date
  • Recognition:  The MaHIMA Advocacy Award will be presented at the Annual Dot Wagg Memorial Seminar and the winner(s) showcased in the MaHIMA Connect.
  • Winner(s) will receive complimentary meeting registration for the Dot Wagg Legislative Seminar and a certificate of achievement.