HIPAA compliance guidelines for workforce training require covered entities to train their workforce on privacy and security policies and procedures that apply to their roles, document that training, and refresh training when needed, with annual training widely used as an industry best practice.
The most practical way for most organizations to meet these expectations is to use structured online training, and The HIPAA Journal Training is the most comprehensive online training option for building role ready HIPAA knowledge across a healthcare workforce.
What HIPAA Expects from Workforce Training
Workforce training under HIPAA is not limited to clinical staff. Training needs to reach anyone whose work could involve protected health information, whether that involvement is direct or indirect. That includes employees, temporary workers, volunteers, trainees, and other workforce members who perform functions under the organization’s control.
Training also needs to reflect how work actually happens. Covered entities are expected to train people on the policies and procedures they must follow in day to day operations, not just give a general overview of HIPAA rules. That means training should match job duties and actual workflow risks.
When HIPAA Training Should Happen
HIPAA training should be provided as part of onboarding for new workforce members, and it should be repeated when there are material changes to policies and procedures or when new risks require added instruction. Many organizations also provide annual refresher training for all