Final answer:
The clinical records supervisor not registered as an RHIA or RHIT is advised to have at least an annual consultation with a registered RHIA or RHIT to maintain compliance with health information management standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a clinical records supervisor is not a registered Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), the facility must ensure that there is periodic consultation with a registered RHIA or RHIT. According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the standards for maintaining health records and effectively running a health information management (HIM) service include having access to the expertise of a credentialed HIM professional. Although specific regulations can vary by facility and state, as well as by the accrediting body, the recommendation is for at least annual consultation with a credentialed professional if the supervisor does not hold the RHIA or RHIT credentials themselves.
These consultations guarantee that the clinical records department maintains compliance with current health information management practices and regulations, and that they are able to competently handle information governance, patient privacy, and medical coding requirements. Consultants can assess, guide, and provide recommendations to ensure the organization meets industry standards.