In 2011, the AHIA Board considered the necessary elements of the healthcare internal auditing profession, and formally endorsed The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) mandatory components of the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF).   They are the official Definition of Internal Auditing, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and the Code of Ethics. The IPPF is available at TheIIA.org.

Established by The IIA, the IPPF provides “mandatory” and “strongly recommended” authoritative guidance for internal audit practitioners all around the world. The framework was developed through a rigorous process of due diligence and approvals of international committees. The IPPF’s mandatory components include the official Definition of Internal Auditing, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and the Code of Ethics. Strongly recommended components include Position Papers, Practice Advisories, and Practice Guides. The IPPF is designed to help ensure internal audit efficiency, effectiveness, and professionalism.

“The healthcare field is home to an essential segment of the internal audit profession,” said Director of Standards and Guidance Lily Bi, CIA. “And the AHIA’s official recognition and endorsement of the IPPF is a significant step toward helping ensure healthcare internal audit practitioners adhere to the well recognized international standards for the profession.”

The IIA and the AHIA have long maintained a strong relationship built upon mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to quality internal auditing all around the globe. Both organizations view the AHIA’s resolution to endorse the IPPF as a natural progression of their individual and combined efforts to advocate for internal audit professionalism.

According to AHIA Past Chair Mike Fabrizius, CIA, the inherent changing landscape in healthcare is both a challenge and an opportunity for internal auditors. “Our members work in a dynamic industry and strive to meet increasing stakeholder expectations that require a sound conceptual framework,” says Fabrizius. “The AHIA Board of Directors’ enthusiastic endorsement of the IPPF on behalf of our members reflects our commitment to the highest standards of internal audit knowledge, competency, excellence, and professionalism.”

Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association with global headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Fla., USA. The IIA is the internal audit profession’s global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator. Members work in internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, information technology audit, education, and security.