Q&A: HIPAA training methods by department

Q: We need to train a wide range of employees on HIPAA — from physicians to temporary nursing staff hired through a staffing agency to medical scribes and coders. Should we utilize the same HIPAA training methods across the board? Or do you recommend that we develop different training methods for each department? How should we go about doing that?

A: To make your training most effective, it would be best to target the content and delivery method to each group. Online training might be easy and effective for temporary staff, medical scribes, and coders, allowing individuals to complete the training at their convenience. 

For physician training, talk with your chief of staff or department chairman about the most effective mechanism. You could make brief presentations at medical staff or department meetings, targeting the content to the specific group and allowing them to ask questions. If there is a medical staff newsletter or periodic email updates, you could include a brief “HIPAA Minute” to focus on key issues.

Editor's Note: Mary D. Brandt, MBA, RHIA, CHE, CHPS is a healthcare consultant specializing in healthcare regulatory compliance and operations improvement. She is also an advisory board member for BOH. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent HCPro or ACDIS. Email your HIPAA questions to editor Kevin Duffy at kduffy@hcpro.com.