2026 WHIMA Release of Information Workshop
Live & Recorded Virtual Event
Overview
2026 WHIMA Release of Information Workshop – Day 1
This session provides a practical update on the federal and Wisconsin legal and enforcement developments shaping the release of information (ROI) in 2026.
Sam Roods will cover federal enforcement priorities at HHS OCR, upcoming information blocking enforcement by HHS OIG, and the federal legislative and regulatory trends driving health data policy.
Kyle Probst will summarize key Wisconsin bills impacting ROI—covering parental access to a minor child’s records, electronic medical record production fees, and consumer data privacy—along with where each proposal stands and what it may mean operationally.
Objectives:
- Identify key federal enforcement and oversight developments affecting ROI, including HHS OCR priorities and expected HHS OIG information blocking enforcement.
- Review major Wisconsin ROI-related bills and summarize their core provisions and current legislative status.
- Translate both federal AND Wisconsin developments into practical compliance and operational considerations for ROI/HIM professionals.
Level: Intermediate Level
Kyle Probst, JD
Sam Roods
1.0 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
Sponsored by Datavant
As the guardians of protected health information (PHI), health information professionals are at the forefront of balancing patient access rights with privacy safeguards. This presentation explores the evolving landscape of HIPAA regulations — focusing on the legal, ethical, and operational dimensions of sensitive information and patient access to their health data. Through real-world scenarios and regulatory updates, attendees will gain clarity on what constitutes appropriate access, how to manage sensitive disclosures, and how to navigate the tension between compliance and patient empowerment. The session will also address emerging challenges in digital health records, thirdparty apps, and patient-directed sharing.
Objectives:
- Interpret key provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule related to patient access and data ownership
- Identify common compliance pitfalls and best practices in releasing sensitive health information
- Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies and patient-directed apps on HIPAA compliance and privacy
Level: Intermediate Level
Darin Challacombe, Ph.D., SHRM-CP
Elizabeth McElhiney, MHA, CPHIMS, CHPS, CDH-L, CRIS, CC
1.0 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
Sponsored by Verisma
In 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) promulgated changes (2024 Final Rule) to 42 C.F.R. Part 2 (Part 2), a regulation requiring heightened privacy protections for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records. With a compliance deadline of February 16, 2026, this presentation will explore how to operationalize many of the new requirements in the 2024 Final Rule, including the implementation of a single consent form for all future uses and disclosures of Part 2 records for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Objectives:
- Provide an overview of 42 C.F.R. Part 2 as it applies to Part 2 programs, hospitals, integrated care facilities, and recipients of Part 2 records.
- Describe the 2024 Final Rule regulatory changes to requirements for uses and disclosures of Part 2 records.
- Identify common questions raised by Part 2 programs in operationalizing the changes made through the 2024 Final Rule.
Level: Intermediate Level
Ashleigh Giovannini, JD, LLM, CIPP/US
1.0 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
Wrap up the day with an interactive panel discussion and open Q&A featuring the speakers of the day. This session brings together expert perspectives on the key topics covered throughout the program, along with additional questions and challenges related to the release of health information.
Panelists will address real-world scenarios, emerging issues, and audiencesubmitted questions, offering practical insights and clarification on complex ROI considerations. Whether you’re seeking guidance on applying today’s content, navigating gray areas, or staying compliant in an evolving regulatory environment, this session provides a valuable opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals and engage in meaningful discussion.
Objectives:
After participating in this panel discussion and Q&A, attendees will be able to:
- Clarify key concepts and requirements related to the release of health information discussed throughout the day
- Apply expert insights to real-world ROI scenarios and operational challenges
- Identify common compliance risks and best practices in managing the release of health information
- Gain practical guidance by engaging directly with subject matter experts through audience-driven Q&A
- Strengthen confidence in decision-making when addressing complex or ambiguous ROI situations
Level: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
Darin Challacombe, Ph.D., SHRM-CP
Ashleigh Giovannini, CIPP/US
Elizabeth McElhiney, MHA, CPHIMS, CHPS, CDH-L, CRIS, CC
Kyle Probst, JD
Sam Roods
0.5 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
2026 WHIMA Release of Information Workshop – Day 2
This presentation will discuss risks and considerations for the use of text messages in the healthcare setting.
Objectives:
- Identify risks of texted orders
- Identify risk management strategies for texted orders
- Discussion of texting and PHI
Level: Beginner
Rachel Dykema
1.0 – Evolving Topics
Explore how to effectively lead Release of Information operations in a remote environment while maintaining compliance, productivity, and quality. It covers strategies for managing teams, optimizing workflows, ensuring HIPAA and regulatory adherence, and sustaining accountability without physical oversight. Attendees will gain practical leadership approaches to drive performance, engagement, and operational excellence in a virtual setting.
Objectives:
- Optimizing productivity
- Sustain accountability and engagement in a virtual environment
- Establish effective onboarding processes for a structured, engaging onboarding experience that sets clear expectations
Level: Intermediate Level
Hannah Sorgius, RHIA
1.0 – Organizational Management and Leadership
This presentation will outline recommended privacy considerations for organizations onboarding standalone and integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Specifically, this presentation will address the legal, regulatory, and ethical boundaries surrounding the development and use of AI to process health and other sensitive personal data types.
Objectives:
- Discuss existing legal and regulatory limitations on the development, deployment, and use of AI tools in the healthcare and life sciences industries.
- Provide helpful tips for organizational due diligence in evaluating and onboarding vendors who provide AI tools and AI-based services.
- Identify common privacy considerations for the internal development of AI tools.
Level: Intermediate Level
Ashleigh Giovannini, JD, LLM, CIPP/US
1.0 – Evolving Topics
This session will explore the critical role of document transfer in ensuring continuity of care between acute care and post-acute care. We will review PHC’s referral and documentation process using Aidin and Epic Care Link, outline the essential documents exchanged during transitions, and highlight common gaps that impact patient safety. Special attention will be given to the INTERACT tools for SNF and assisted living transitions, as well as strategies to improve completeness and accuracy of shared information.
Objectives:
- Understand the key differences in documentation needs between acute care and SNFs during transitions of care.
- Review ProHealth Care’s process for patient referrals and document sharing.
- Identify common documentation gaps and learn best practices, including the use of INTERACT tools, to enhance care continuity and reduce errors.
Level: Beginner Level
Jessica Zuercher, BSN, MS, MBA, RN
0.5 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
Wrap up the day with an interactive panel discussion and open Q&A featuring the speakers of the day. This session brings together expert perspectives on the key topics covered throughout the program, along with additional questions and challenges related to the release of health information.
Panelists will address real-world scenarios, emerging issues, and audiencesubmitted questions, offering practical insights and clarification on complex ROI considerations. Whether you’re seeking guidance on applying today’s content, navigating gray areas, or staying compliant in an evolving regulatory environment, this session provides a valuable opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals and engage in meaningful discussion.
Objectives:
After participating in this panel discussion and Q&A, attendees will be able to:
- Clarify key concepts and requirements related to the release of health information discussed throughout the day
- Apply expert insights to real-world ROI scenarios and operational challenges
- Identify common compliance risks and best practices in managing the release of health information
- Gain practical guidance by engaging directly with subject matter experts through audience-driven Q&A
- Strengthen confidence in decision-making when addressing complex or ambiguous ROI situations
Level: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
Rachel Dykema
Ashleigh Giovannini, CIPP/US
Hannah Sorgius, RHIA
Jessica Zuercher, BSN, MS, MBA, RN
0.5 – Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy, and Security
Course Info
Published Date
March 2026
Total CEs
7.5
Domain(s)
Evolving Topics
Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy and Security
Organizational Management and Leadership
Pricing
Bundle Pricing
WHIMA Member
$115
Non-Member
$144
Student
$58
Day 1 Pricing
Day 2 Pricing
WHIMA Member
$59
Non-Member
$74
Student
$30
WHIMA Member
$66
Non-Member
$83
Student
$33
Speakers
Additional Information
AHIMA
This educational offering has been approved for continuing education credit for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
AAPC
CEUs are accepted from programs sponsored by AHIMA national offices and the state or regional AHIMA branches. One hour of instruction is worth one CEU. A certificate of attendance or completion is necessary to show participation.
ACDIS
AHIMA CEUs that are CDI-related are accepted.
Register
In order to access this course, you will need to click on the button labeled “Register for this Course.“
Already Purchased Course?
If you have already purchased this course, then you will need to sign in to access and then click on the session(s) listed under Course Content.
Access instructions for the course will be emailed to you within 2 business days following receipt of payment.
You will have 60 days to access the course after access has been granted.
How Do I Receive the CE?
You must click on the button labeled “Mark Complete” at the bottom of each course page before the CE will appear on the My Certificates page.
- For on-demand events, access instructions for the course will be emailed to you within 2 business days following receipt of payment.
- You will have 60 days to access the course. If your course has expired, and you need an extension, please contact us.
- You must click on the button labeled “Mark Complete” at the bottom of each course page before the CE will appear on the My Certificates page.
View more FAQs.
Need assistance? Contact us!
Course Content

Course Includes
- 5 Lessons
- Course Certificate
