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PHIMA: Advocacy in Action

Capitol Hill Updates

Great American AI Act

In June, Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) released a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act, legislation intended to establish a federal framework for the governance of artificial intelligence.

PHIMA will continue monitoring the legislation and its potential impact on health information management professionals, healthcare operations, and patient privacy.

MATCH IT Act (H.R. 2002)

The MATCH IT Act of 2025 continues to gain bipartisan momentum, with 15 House cosponsors now supporting the legislation.

PHIMA encourages members to help advance this important legislation by contacting their Members of Congress through the AHIMA Action Center and urging support for improved patient matching and identification. Healthcare organizations interested in formally endorsing the bill may contact advocacy@ahima.org.

Federal Agency Update

2026 Unified Agenda

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released its 2026 Unified Agenda, outlining anticipated federal healthcare rulemaking.

Key projected timelines include:

  • August 2026

    • HTI-5 Deregulatory Actions

    • HIPAA Privacy Rule: Changes to Support Coordinated Care (Final Rule)

  • November 2026

    • HTI-6 Proposed Rule (Information Blocking & APIs)

    • HIPAA Privacy Rule to Promote Individuals’ Timely Access to PHI (Proposed Rule)

  • 2027

    • HIPAA Security Rule Final Rule

PHIMA will continue monitoring these significant regulatory developments affecting health information management and privacy professionals.

CMS Prior Authorization for Drugs

AHIMA, together with the Health IT End-Users Alliance, recently submitted comments to CMS regarding the Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule, supporting interoperability standards that streamline electronic prior authorization and reduce administrative burden.

FY 2027 ICD-10 Updates

The FY 2027 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets and Official Guidelines have now been released and become effective October 1, 2026. Members involved in coding, CDI, reimbursement, and compliance should begin preparing for implementation.

Advocacy Spotlight

Pennsylvania Moves Up in AHIMA Grassroots Advocacy Rankings!

Pennsylvania currently ranks:

🏅 12th out of 18 Large Component Associations
0.165 Actions Per Member

Even more exciting…

Pennsylvania is one of only 19 Component Associations whose Advocacy Leaders achieved 100% participation in AHIMA Action Center writing campaigns during the first two quarters of 2026, earning eligibility for the 20-point Grassroots Advocacy Award bonus.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in federal advocacy efforts this year!

Upcoming Event

AHIMA26 Annual Conference

October 4–6, 2026
San Antonio, Texas

Join health information professionals from across the country for education, networking, and discussions on:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Privacy & Compliance

  • Interoperability

  • Data Governance

  • Patient Identification

  • Emerging Health Information Trends

Register today to reserve your spot!

Get Involved

There are many ways to support advocacy this year:

  • Register for AHIMA26

  • Participate in campaigns through the AHIMA Action Center

  • Contact your Members of Congress regarding the MATCH IT Act

  • Encourage your organization to endorse the MATCH IT Act

  • Stay engaged with PHIMA advocacy updates throughout the year

Noteworthy Reading