Q&A: Training physicians on HIPAA

Q: Do you have any suggestions for training physicians on HIPAA rules and regulations?

A: With their busy schedules, it is difficult to get physicians to attend training sessions on nonclinical topics. In addition, most physicians are not fans of online training courses. You may have more success providing training in “small bites.” If the chief of staff does periodic newsletter or email updates for the medical staff, ask if you can include brief up-dates in each one on a pertinent privacy topic.

You might also develop a “Privacy FAQ” document that addresses specific topics of concern to your organization. That document could be emailed to physicians, who could share it with their office managers. You could also offer to provide on-site training for the physician’s office staff, such as a lunch-and-learn session, where staff members could ask specific questions about situations they deal with.

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 Briefings on HIPAA. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions.