HIPAA training requirements

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established to protect the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI) from theft and fraud. It mandates anyone who handles medical records to undergo HIPAA training to be familiar with its requirements. Failure to provide adequate training can result in severe penalties, as the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) considers breaches preventable through training. 

Understanding HIPAA training requirements

HIPAA training requirements are outlined in the law and apply to different entities, including covered entities and business associates. These requirements are divided into two categories: privacy rule training and security rule training, both of which aim to safeguard PHI.

The privacy rule training standard, which applies only to covered entities, requires training on PHI-related policies and procedures and reporting breaches of unsecured PHI. The security rule training standard applies to both covered entities and their business associates, focusing on establishing a security awareness and training program for all employees.

Go deeper:

• What is the HIPAA privacy rule?
• What is the HIPAA security rule?
• What is protected health information (PHI)? 

HIPAA employee training requirements

HIPAA training covers various topics, which can be classified as basic or advanced. Basic topics serve as an introduction to HIPAA or as a refresher for employees. Advanced topics provide in-depth knowledge for specific roles or situations. These are the basic topics that should be covered in HIPAA training:

Basic topics

• Overview of HIPAA: This topic explains the objectives of HIPAA, who it applies to (covered entities and their business associates), what it applies to (PHI), and how it is enforced.
• HIPAA terminology: Learners gain an understanding of the terms used in HIPAA, such as PHI, the minimum necessary standard, and notices of privacy practices.
• The HITECH Act: This legislation motivated the use of healthcare IT and requires business associates to abide by more rigorous enforcement of HIPAA.
• Important HIPAA regulations: Learners receive an overview of the five rules established by HHS since HIPAA came into effect, including the breach notification Rule and enforcement rule.
• HIPAA Omnibus final rule: This rule increased patients' rights and raised penalties for HIPAA violations, although it is more relevant to employees of business associates.
• HIPAA privacy rule basics: Understanding the privacy rule is necessary for HIPAA compliance, as it dictates the allowable uses and disclosures of PHI.
• HIPAA security rule basics: The security rule ensures the availability of electronic PHI (ePHI) when needed, requiring covered entities to have appropriate technology to control access.
• HIPAA patient rights: Employees should be knowledgeable about the rights patients have over their PHI and how to effectively communicate these rights to patients and their families.
• HIPAA disclosure rules: Learners should understand the rules surrounding the disclosure of PHI, as healthcare workers often must decide whether to release PHI to family members or other parties.
• HIPAA violation consequences: Understanding the consequences of a HIPAA violation is important, as it encourages prompt reporting and mitigating the damage caused by violations.
• Preventing HIPAA violations: Learners should be aware of common types of HIPAA violations and best practices, such as avoiding social media disclosures, preventing the loss of mobile devices, and avoiding accidental verbal disclosures.
• Being a HIPAA compliant employee: Employees must understand their legal obligation to comply with HIPAA rules and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

FAQs

What is the HIPAA training?

The purpose of HIPAA training is to ensure healthcare employees are aware of their responsibilities under HIPAA to allow them to complete their work duties in a HIPAA compliant way. 

How do you practice HIPAA compliance?

• Conduct a risk analysis.
• Implement technical and physical safeguards.
• Train employees on HIPAA regulations.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures.
• Perform regular audits and monitoring.
• Create an incident response plan.

What is the security rule of HIPAA?

The HIPAA Security Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals' electronic personal health information that is created, received, used, or maintained by a covered entity.

What is the difference between HIPAA and compliance?

HIPAA compliance refers to adhering to the rules and requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) policies and guidelines. HIPAA certification is obtaining or being awarded a document or designation to attest that a person has completed an educational course or met certain requirements.