Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: HITT-1212 (Section: 71, CRN: 93440)
History of Health Information Technology in the U.S. 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tonya Harbert
Email keithtj@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6501
Office Umphrey Industrial Technology Center - Room: 201H
Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 10-3
Additional Contact Information Office visits are by appointment only. Please note that the instructor may not be in the office or on campus outside of scheduled hours, and may also be in other areas of campus during office hours. To ensure availability, it is best to call or email in advance to schedule a meeting. Virtual and phone appointments are also available.
Course Information
Description races the development of IT systems in health care and public health, beginning with the experiments of the 1950s and 1960s and culminating in the HITECH Act. Introduces the concept of meaningful use.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Health Information Management and Technology By M. Beth Shanholtzer and Gary Ozanich 1st Edition ISBN13: 9780077507053
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Explain the rationale for elements of the HITECH Act in terms of the history of health IT; describe the background of today's health IT landscape including EHR, HIE, CDS, applications in Public Health, and relevant professional organizations; describe the history of Health IT regulation in the U.S.; describe how legislation related to privacy and security of electronic health information has evolved in the U.S.; and discuss evolution of financial incentives in HIT.
Program Student Learning Outcomes

Medical Coding Specialist

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms accurately.

  2. Interpret and apply health abbreviations and symbols.

  3. Use medical software applications effectively.

  4. Review health records to validate coding accuracy.

  5. Apply established guidelines to correctly sequence codes.

  6. Analyze and discuss current healthcare trends.

Medical Office Administration

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Use computer software to perform basic office functions.

  2. Apply medical terminology, abbreviations, and jargon correctly.

  3. Define and explain general legal terms related to ambulatory care.

  4. Apply ethical principles to medical coding and office practice.

  5. Use ICD and CPT guidelines to complete and process insurance claims.
Lecture Topics Outline Healthcare in the United States
Functions, Careers, and Credentials of the HI Professional
HIM & Health Informatics Shaping the Evolving System
Maintaining Health Records: An Overview
External Forces: Regulatory & Accreditation
The Active Health Record in Acute Care
The Post-discharge Health Record
The Electronic Health Record: Meaningful Use
Privacy and Security of Digital Records
The Patient’s Role in Healthcare
Expanding Roles for HIM & HI Professionals
Major Assignments Schedule All coursework is due the following Tuesday at 10 a.m.

   Week		 Dates Topics & Chapters Notes / Due Dates
     1 Aug 25–31 Orientation & Course Introduction – Intro Discussion & Syllabus Quiz Due Date: Sept 2
   2 Sept 1–7 Ch. 1 – Healthcare in the United States Due Date:  Sept 9
📌Labor Day Holiday Sept 1
   3 Sept 8–14 Ch. 2 – Functions, Careers, and Credentials of the HI Professional Due Date:  Sept 16
📌Census Date Sept 10
   4 Sept 15–21 Ch. 3 – HIM & Health Informatics Shaping the Evolving System Due Date: Sept 23
   5 Sept 22–28 Exam 1 (Chs 1–3) Due Date: Sept 30
📌Final Day to Drop w/o Penalty Sept 29
   6 Sept 29–Oct 5 Ch. 4 – Maintaining Health Records: An Overview Due Date: Oct 7
   7 Oct 6–12 Ch. 5 – External Forces: Regulatory & Accreditation Due Date: Oct 14
   8 Oct 13–19 Ch. 6 – The Active Health Record in Acute Care Due Date: Oct 21
   9 Oct 20–26 Ch. 7 – The Post-discharge Health Record; EXAM 2 (Chps 4-7) Due Date: Oct 28
   10 Oct 27–Nov 2 Ch. 8 – The Electronic Health Record: Meaningful Use Due Date: Nov 4
   11 Nov 3–9 Ch. 9 – Privacy and Security of Digital Records Due Date: Nov 11
   12 Nov 10–16 Ch. 10 – The Patient’s Role in Healthcare Due Date: Nov 18
   13 Nov 17–23 Exam 3 (Chs 8–10) Due Date:  Nov 25
📌Final Day to Drop with Penalty Nov 24
   14 Nov 24–30 Ch. 11 – Expanding Roles for HIM & HI Professionals Due Date: Dec 2
📌Energy Conservation Day Nov 26
📌Thanksgiving Holiday Nov 27–28
   15–16 Dec 1–9 Exam 4 (Ch 11); Comprehensive Final Exam Due Date: Dec 9
 


Course Expectations & Guidelines

Monitor Course Communication Regularly
• Check Announcements, Emails, and Course Content multiple times each week.
• Stay informed to ensure you don’t miss updates or important information.

Stay on Top of Assignments and Deadlines
• Assignments and due dates are posted in the course.
• Use the Calendar, Announcements, Email, and To-Do List to stay organized.
• If coursework is made available in Blackboard, you are encouraged to work ahead of scheduled weeks and due dates.

Changes May Occur
• The instructor reserves the right to modify assignments, due dates, or course work during the semester. Check email several times a week for course announcements.
• It is your responsibility to remain active in the course and stay updated with all posted changes.

Always Use Blackboard Links
• Complete assignments through links provided in Blackboard to ensure your grades post properly in the course on Blackboard. If you do not do this, you may be required to re-do assignments.
• Not all assignments in Cengage's MindTap will be assigned or required.
• Do not go directly to the publisher’s website unless directed by the instructor.
• Always rely on Blackboard links for guidance.

Submit Work on Time
• Turn in all work by the posted due date or as outlined in verbal or written instructions.
• Refer to the Late Work Policy below for details.
Final Exam Date December 1, 2025 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 9, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Grading Scale
 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Assignments/Quizzes/Labs/etc. 50%
Exams 50%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies

ASSESSMENT METHODS & GRADING POLICY

  • Students are responsible for keeping track of their grades and course average. Grades will be visible in the Blackboard gradebook once an assignment is completed and graded. It is not the instructor’s responsibility to average grades for students.

  • The instructor reserves the right to add or change assignments during the semester.

  • The instructor will not drop grades.

  • Each module focuses on specific learning outcomes; however, some activities may be included to enhance learning and may not be graded. Student learning will be assessed through assignments, quizzes, discussions, labs, participation, exams, or other methods as determined by the instructor.

  • Due dates are posted each week in the course.

  • Instructions and grading information will be posted for each assignment.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

  • Class participation is required and directly impacts your course average. Simply logging in and “clicking around” does not count as participation—you must be active within the course.

  • The instructor may use weekly course activity as part of your participation grade.

  • Additional assignments may be added during the semester if the instructor determines they are necessary.

  • Students are required to check course announcements and emails at least three times per week.

ASSIGNMENTS

  • No make-up assignments. Any assignment not completed by the due date and time will receive a grade of zero (0). Late assignments will not be accepted.

QUIZZES

  • No make-up quizzes. Quizzes may be given weekly. If a quiz is missed, the grade will be recorded as zero (0). Once a quiz is closed, it cannot be re-opened or made up.

EXAMS

  • No make-up exams. If an exam is missed, the zero will be included in the exam average. At the end of the semester, the instructor will average all exam grades (including the zero) and replace the zero with the overall exam average.

    Example: Test grades = 100, 100, 0, 80 → Total = 280. 280 ÷ 4 = 70. The zero is replaced with 70, so test grades become 100, 100, 70, 80.

  • Final Exam Exemption Opportunity: If a student has completed and passed all exams and has a course grade of 80 or higher, they may be exempt from the final exam. In that case, the average of all other exam grades will serve as the final exam grade.

  • Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment or exam in question. A second incident of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of F for the course.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • If coursework is available in advance, students are encouraged to complete it ahead of the scheduled due dates.
Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE POLICY (ONLINE CLASS)

  • Research has shown a strong connection between attendance and college success. In an online course, “attendance” is measured by your regular activity and participation in Blackboard. The instructor monitors student course activity weekly.

  • Students are expected to log in to Blackboard and check announcements and email at least three times per week, even if they believe all work is complete.

  • Class participation is required and directly impacts your course average. Simply logging in is not enough—students must engage with course materials and activities. Additional assignments may be added during the week if the instructor determines they are necessary. Weekly activity in the course may be used as a participation grade.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor by email if they will be absent from the course for any reason. However, absences do not extend due dates, and coursework must still be completed on time.
Additional Information

MYLSCPA USERNAME & PASSWORD ISSUES

Call Kenneth Lisby at (409) 984-6150

BLACKBOARD HELP AVAILABLE 24/7

Phone: (936) 496-5379
Email: bbhelp@lamarpa.edu

COMPUTER USE POLICY

This course is designed to be completed on a laptop or desktop computer. Students often miss important information and assignments when attempting to use a mobile device.

Students may use the computers in the LSCPA computer lab if needed. A student ID is required. LSCPA also offers a laptop loan program for students who need to borrow a computer for the semester.

METHODS OF PRESENTATION

Course materials may be presented using a variety of methods, including:

  • Lecture (PowerPoint slides, interactive notes, video, or audio sources)

  • Computer-Assisted Learning (Blackboard, publisher websites, etc.)

  • Lab exercises, discussion boards, and similar activities

  • Internet resources

LAPTOP LOAN PROGRAM

LSCPA offers a laptop loan program on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may fill out the online application on the LSCPA website by searching “Laptop Loan Program” in the search bar.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to have all necessary course materials, including (but not limited to) software, e-books, key codes, and any other items needed to complete assignments and readings. Reliable internet access is required for all online courses.

Students without reliable internet access may use the LSCPA open computer lab.

Note: Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams.

DROP/WITHDRAWAL POLICY

  • Students who decide to drop/withdraw must verify that the request is submitted before the final withdrawal date.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their name is removed from the roll if they drop/withdraw.

  • Students are strongly encouraged to retain a copy of their drop/withdrawal form for records.

  • Any books, equipment, or items belonging to the department must be returned; failure to do so may compromise a student’s standing with LSCPA.

  • State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their undergraduate career at Texas public colleges/universities (with certain exceptions). All withdrawals after the “no penalty” date count toward this limit. See the LSCPA catalog for full details.

E-MAIL & VOICE MAIL ETIQUETTE

  • Emails must use professional etiquette, including complete sentences and a full subject line with the student’s name, course name, and section number.

  • Voice mail messages must clearly include the student’s name, course, and a return phone number.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS (For On-Campus Meetings/Classes)

As future professionals, students are encouraged to practice dressing appropriately. While casual attire is permitted, clothing should reflect respect for the class environment.

Students may be asked to leave class if their attire is inappropriate or distracting; this will be recorded as an absence.

Inappropriate attire includes but is not limited to:

  • Clothing that exposes intimate body parts

  • Wearing only undergarments (e.g., sports bras, boxers)

  • Sleepwear (pajamas, robes, slippers)

  • Clothing that is excessively tight or loose

  • Clothing with offensive or inappropriate logos/text

BULLYING POLICY

Lamar State College Port Arthur is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in academic, clinical, or online settings.

Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can be verbal, social, physical, or digital in nature and may include (but is not limited to):

  • Verbal abuse, name-calling, or threats

  • Intimidation or humiliation

  • Spreading rumors or false information

  • Excluding others intentionally from activities or group participation

  • Cyberbullying or inappropriate use of digital platforms (e.g., email, discussion boards, video conferencing, publisher platforms, or social media)

Scope:  This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff in:

  • Face-to-face environments such as classrooms, clinical sites, labs, and simulations

  • Online environments including (but not limited to) Blackboard, publisher platforms, discussion boards, email, video conferences, and other digital platforms

  • Any school-sponsored activity or event

Reporting Process
Any student who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the incident to a faculty member, program coordinator, or the department chair. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.

Consequences
Verified incidents of bullying may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

  • Verbal or written warnings

  • Documentation in the student’s file

  • Dismissal from the program

  • Referral to college administration in accordance with institutional policy

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

Exceptions and/or changes may be made to information in this syllabus at the instructor’s discretion.
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
Email:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365