Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Membership for information access and participation benefits with the American Hospital Association (AHA) through the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA) and Illinois Health & Hospital Association services.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for membership in professional, academic, research, or athletic organizations on behalf of a public institution of higher education, an employee of a public institution of higher education, or a student at a public institution of higher education. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(1)) This procurement is in the best interests of the University because the American Hospital Association (AHA), through its state affiliation with the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA), is the sole provider of these membership benefits. No other service provider offers the same advocacy, support, and resources for hospitals. Additionally, IHA provides essential services that assist hospitals with healthcare operations, including the submission, use, and disclosure of PHI, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.