In conjunction with SLML's goal of fostering AHIP membership among its members, the CE committee would like to announce the formation of an MLA discussion group under SLML's sponsorship. Info on the program is listed below (more details can be found at http://www.mlanet.org/education/discussiongroups/ ).
If you are interested, please email Nora Wikoff (newikoff@aoa.org ) and let us know whether you would prefer to meet electronically or in person.
Program Information
The MLA Discussion Group program offers you an opportunity to explore a topic of interest with other professionals and earn MLA continuing education (CE) contact hours for professional development.
What are the goals of the MLA Discussion Group Program?
How do you benefit?
Participation in an MLA Discussion Group
Who can participate?
The MLA Discussion Group program is open to any interested individual, both MLA members and nonmembers.
Groups and Requirements
MLA Discussion Groups, consisting of three to ten people, may meet in person (face-to-face) or hold discussions electronically. A specific, well-defined topic, area, or theme for discussion needs to be chosen to qualify.
How does a group form?
An MLA Discussion Group forms when individuals decide they would like to learn about and discuss professional issues of common interest. One individual assumes the role of convener to recruit members, develop the list of materials for discussion, apply for approval, organize meetings, document the participation of members, collect evaluations, distribute MLA CE certificates, and report back to MLA's CE staff.
What kinds of materials will a group review and discuss?
All materials must relate to the MLA Discussion Group's focus. Articles from professional journals, book chapters, multi-chaptered books, electronic resources, and audiovisuals may be used. The amount of material to be covered should be the equivalent of six to twelve, five-ten page journal articles.
How often and for how long does a group meet?
Eight hours of time is spent in discussion. Face-to-face MLA Discussion Groups typically meet six times for ninety minutes per session. Electronic discussion usually takes place over a period of six weeks to six months. Both face-to-face and electronic groups must complete their series of discussions within twelve months of the starting date.
Contact Hour Approval and Academy Credit
Each MLA Discussion Group (face-to-face or electronic) may be approved for up to eight MLA CE contact hours using the MLA Discussion Group approval form. Conveners are responsible for the application process.
Individuals may use MLA CE contact hours earned through the MLA Discussion Group program for credit in MLA's Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP). While the number of discussion groups in which you can participate is not limited, only three discussion groups over a five-year period (or a total of 26 MLA CE contact hours) may be applied toward membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals or toward academy renewal at the same or higher level.
The convener may apply for an additional five points for the responsibilities involved in organizing and facilitating the group.
Summary
Discussion Group Fees
$50.00 per discussion group.
Fees are based on the number of discussion groups included with each approval application. For example:
Discussion group approval application #1 has 5 participants forming 1 group = $50.00 fee.
Discussion group application #2 has 14 participants forming 2 groups of 7 participants each = $100.00 fee.
