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AHIP Credentialing

Instructions for Renewing Your AHIP Membership at Your Current Level

If you are a Member,  Senior Member, or Distinguished Member and wish to renew at your current level, please follow the guidance below.

If you are a Provisional Member and wish to submit your annual renewal documentation, please see Instructions for Provisional Membership Annual Renewal.

If you are a Provisional Member, Member, Senior Member, or Distinguished Member and wish to renew at a higher level, please see instructions for Renewing Your AHIP Member, Senior, or Distinguished Membership at a Higher Level.

If you are a retired or a soon-to-be-retired Academy member and wish to renew as an Emeritus member, please see Apply to Renew as an Emeritus Member.

Guidance and Requirements for Renewal at Member, Senior Member, and Distinguished Member Levels

  • Membership is valid for five years and must be renewed by the end of your fifth year. 
  • You are not required to attach MLA continuing education (CE) and other point documentation, except for courses that have not been pre-approved for credit by MLA. For the latter, please complete the Individual Participant Request (IPR) Form.
  • If you would like to renew an AHIP membership that has lapsed for an extended period of time, you may need to reapply. Contact the AHIP Program Coordinator for guidance.

Step 1.

Ensure that you meet the requirements for renewing at your desired level. The easiest way to do this is to complete the AHIP Points Tally Form and then check to see if you meet the requirements to renew at your level:

Requirements for renewing at the Member level:

  • You must complete a minimum of fifty (50) points of professional accomplishments.

Requirements for renewing at the Senior level:

  • You must complete a minimum of fifty (50) points of professional accomplishments.
  • At least 5 of the 50 points must be individual accomplishment points from professional association participation.

Requirements for renewing at the Distinguished level:

  • You must complete a minimum of fifty (50) points of professional accomplishments.
  • At least 10 of the 50 points must be individual accomplishment points from professional association participation and at least 5 of these points must be from MLA activities. Please note: if you are a Distinguished member and do not meet the MLA activity points requirement, your AHIP membership will be renewed at the Senior level.

Step 2.

Use the links below to create your invoice for the appropriate renewal level. Fees are paid in US dollars. To ensure member rates, please log in before adding an item your cart. Not an MLA member? Join MLA today and enjoy discounted AHIP fees!

  • Member level (MLA member fee is $275.00; non-MLA member fee is $480.00)
  • Senior level (MLA member fee is $275.00; non-MLA member fee is $480.00)
  • Distinguished level, (MLA member fee is $275.00; non-MLA member fee is $480.00)

Credit card payments can be made using the link provided on the invoice. To pay by check, please make payable to the “Medical Library Association,”  indicate “AHIP membership” in the memo line and send the invoice you created with the check to:

Medical Library Association

Department 4627

Carol Stream, IL 60122-4627

Step 3.

After your payment is processed, you will receive a link to begin your AHIP online application.

After completing the online application, you will see the File Upload area or "ADD" button at the bottom of the application. Upload your AHIP Points Tally form and any IPR forms for your non-MLA approved CE courses.

Other than IPR forms, documentation of your activity points is not needed. We do, however confirm MLA activity points required for Distinguished level.

What Happens Next

Complete applications will be processed. Incomplete applications will be returned for needed action.

The MLA Credentialing Committee will review your application and you will be notified of their decision within 10 weeks.

Upon approval of your application:

  • Your MLANET profile will be updated with your new AHIP dates. 
  • You will receive an official letter and certificate in the mail. Any requested employer letters will also be mailed.

Additional Information

Even though you have just renewed, you will want to again begin to keep track of and document your professional activities for your next renewal, particularly if you plan to renew at a higher level. See Tips on Preparing your AHIP renewal

Special Circumstances

  • If you are an Academy member without a current position in the health information professions, you can to renew at your current level or apply for a higher level as long as you meet all other requirements for the level. The Credentialing Committee will review other special employment circumstances on an individual basis.
  • If you are experiencing a hardship and/or illness and desire an extension on your renewal, please document your circumstances in an email to the AHIP Program Coordinator.