HIPAA training standards and requirements
HIPAA Privacy Rule and an administrative safeguard of the HIPAA Security Rule set certain mandatory recommendations for training as HIPAA applies to different types of Covered Entity (CE) and Business Associate (BA). Also, training is recommended for the workforce to carry out their business functions correctly. Companies subjected to HIPAA rules should be aware and implement security awareness in the organization. HIPAA training is highly recommended for teams whose functions are connected to HIPAA regulations.
Consider the Objectives of HIPAA Training
HIPAA compliance requires different types of training. You should define which type of training for each separate team you require. Here risk assessment will help – it defines the function of each individual who may have contact with HIPAA rules, and it makes it possible to choose a training program for each individual’s function or role. The contents of a training program will depend on the functions or role of each individual employee, manager, or contractor. It is important that the program content is relevant to each trainee. Healthcare professionals, for example, do not need the same training as a HIPAA compliance officer or administrator.
👉 Choose your HIPAA training course
Targeted training can be time-consuming and resource intensive. In order for training to be effective, it has to be focused on definite goals. At EDI Academy, we offer HIPAA training bundle for Healthcare professionals, as well as conduct custom-made group training for certain roles and functions.
What are the required timeframes?
Actually, neither the Privacy Rule nor the Security Rule offer suggestions with mandating specific timeframes. The Privacy Rule states that HIPAA training is required for “each new member of the workforce within a reasonable period of time after the person joins the Covered Entity’s workforce”. Also, training is required when “functions are affected by a material change in policies or procedures” (within a reasonable period of time). A reasonable period of time can be interpreted as the first few days or weeks rather than months.
According to the Security Rule, HIPAA training is required “periodically” which can be interpreted as annually or every two or three years. But it is a good practice to provide common HIPAA refresher training annually and specific shorter training sessions more frequently. This practice can reduce the risk of accidental HIPAA violations.
To learn more about HIPAA EDI and become a CEDIAP® (Certified EDI Academy Professional), please visit our course schedule page.