Important Notes Reminder: IRS Filing Due Date Approaching
All Chapters MUST be in compliance and file with the IRS. Chapters are responsible for the filing and MUST file the postcard form 990-N, Form 990-EZ, or the Form 990 based on the amount of gross receipts received during the fiscal year and assets. All Chapters are recognized as exempt from Federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(6). For further information on IRS tax exempt status or for obtaining 990 forms, call the IRS Exempt Organizations (not-for-profit) toll-free hotline at 1 (877) 829-5500 or go to http://www.irs.gov/. Notice of non-compliance with the IRS is sent direct to HIMSS corporate offices, and communication with the chapter will immediately follow with requirements of the Chapter to then show proof of compliance to HIMSS. Chapters can enter their EIN number to see confirmation of their 990 submittal. National Health IT Week
National Health IT Week (Oct. 5-9) is a partner-driven awareness week, focusing on the value of health IT. The week consists of local, regional and national events that offer healthcare stakeholders an opportunity to unite in support of the benefits that health information technology (health IT) can bring to U.S. healthcare. There is no better time for the health IT community to come together under one umbrella to raise national awareness. There is no cost for National Health IT Week 2015 partnership for HIMSS members, therefore, all chapters are listed as partners. HIMSS will keep you up to date on events during the week, and chapters’ participation will be highlighted in promotions across the industry. Chapter action items: Chapter Leader Resource Area Update
HIMSS Operations Team has been working to continuously improve and build resources provided in the Chapter Leader Resource Area (CLRA). Chapter Leader Essentials is one particular navigation item that has new content. In an effort to further connect HIMSS and the HIMSS chapters, HIMSS created Promo Slides that chapters are invited to use during upcoming events. In addition, the use of these slides will have points attributed to them for the Chapter of the Year Award for actions taking place during FY16 and awarded at HIMSS17. Hint: take this action now! During the next board meeting, chapter leaders should review the CLRA with the board and ensure everyone is able to access the site. HIMSS recognizes the efforts and dedication of volunteer time is generally in the evening or weekend hours, during which the CLRA can provide answers when HIMSS offices are not open. Please check the site frequently when seeking information on templates, forms, and how to questions related to your volunteer board experience. If you find something you don’t like, doesn’t make sense or would like to see email Tammy Kwiatkoski, senior manager, operations. FTP Update
HIMSS IT recently upgraded the HIMSS FTP to reduce the risk of data hijacking. All FTP accounts are being converted to SFTP. Why is SFTP better than FTP? Despite the similarity in name the two protocols are completely different. In FTP transfer all data is passed back and forth between the client and server without the use of encryption. This makes it possible for an eaves dropper to listen in and retrieve confidential information including login details. With SFTP all the data is encrypted before it is sent across the network. As chapter leaders you will need to load a SFTP client to their device, such as Filezilla, or WeTransfer although there are a number of free software package that can be utilized. SPFT software runs on LUNIX, Windows and Apple devices. The system change occurred Monday, Sept. 14. For more information or help making this transition please contact the HIMSS Help Desk at (312) 915-9270 or email Chapter Staff. HOST: ftp.himss.org
Username: chapterlogos
Password: Clogos2013
Port: 22 New Interoperability Certification Unveiled
ConCert by HIMSSTM, is a new comprehensive interoperability testing and certification program, offering a one-of-a-kind, vendor-independent seal of approval for EHR and HIE systems. Products that pass this robust program will verify that a health IT system is capable of exchanging health information securely and reliably with other certified systems. HIMSS has created a slide for chapters to use at upcoming chapter meetings, or event to showcase the value of ConCERT by HIMSS. ConCert materials are available in the CLRA. Let us know if you have successfully used them at your event. To learn more, please contact John Baus, senior manager, technical projects, HIMSS Innovation Center. HIMSS Chapter Sponsored Travel Honorarium Applications
The call for Veteran Career Services (VCS) guests to apply for a HIMSS Chapter Sponsored Travel Honorarium ended Aug.28. HIMSS received 46 applications for consideration. Last year 15 HIMSS Chapters sponsored 16 very deserving VCS guests to attend HIMSS15. HIMSS hopes to increase sponsorship opportunities at HIMSS16. This program was meaningful and valuable to our attendees as well as those who sponsored. If interested in becoming a chapter sponsoring, please contact Amy Justice, program manager, veterans career services, HIMSS. Review and selection must be completed by Oct.16. HIMSS will notify the chapter and the selected applicants of the selection as well as manage their registration, travel and lodging arrangements. HIMSS will manage the process then invoice the sponsoring chapters for exact expenses not to exceed $1,800. Participating chapters will receive VCS resources and signage for HIMSS16 activity, as well as access to the Hero’s Welcome to Health IT booth/lounge on the exhibit floor and an invitation to attend the HIMSS16 Veterans Career Services Boot Camp with the candidate at HIMSS16. Additional information is available at HIMSS.org at the VCS homepage. VCS Program Details: - Call for applications open July 2015 and run until Aug. 28.
- Once the call for applications close, participating chapters rank applicants.
- HIMSS matches chapters and applicants, notify candidates and post results (HIMSS.org). Chapters can now work directly with their applicant to schedule activity.
- HIMSS procures airfare and hotel.
- HIMSS provides AMEX cards ($300) for meals, incidentals, parking, taxi etc.
- HIMSS Finance invoices chapters for exact expenses, not to exceed $1,800.
Coffee Talk
During the past month, Tammy Kwiatkoski, senior manager operations, has been conducting “Coffee Talks” with presidents and/or president-elects of each chapter. These invitations have been sent to chapter president email addresses provided by HIMSS. Thank you to the following chapters for the “Coffee Talk”: - Arizona
- Northern California
- Southern California
- Colorado
- Delaware Valley
- South Florida
- Georgia
- Greater Chicago
- Heart of America
- Maryland,
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri-Midwest Gateway
- Montana
- National Capital Area
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Central Pennsylvania
- Western Pennsylvania
- Texas San Antonio
- Texas Lubbock
- Texas Dallas/ Ft Worth
And thank you to Central/North Florida for scheduling. For those who don’t have access to the president’s email account, but would like to schedule a “Coffee Talk,” contact Tammy Kwiatkoski, senior manager, operations. The talks take 10-30 minutes depending on the need of the chapter. | 
