HIPAA Fundamentals 2024 Edition

Description

This on-demand program provides an orientation to the basic requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA gives patients many rights with respect to their health information. This program provides details on the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, such as the type of information that is protected, who must comply with the rules, and how patient information can be used and disclosed. This on-demand program includes many resources useful to staff training.

Course ID #: TDE 231320 Issue Date: 8/28/2023 Expiration Date: 8/28/2026

Description of the Professional Practice Gap (PPG)

In 2020 the Office of Civil Rights settled nineteen HIPAA violation cases for $13,554,900. This was more financial penalties than in other year. In December 2019, the HIMSS Cyversecurity survey demonstrated that healthcare security incidents were becoming common. Based on the data reported in the HIPAA Journal on December 21, 2021, it doesn't appear to be slowing down. The number of incidents reported to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) by Novemeber 2022 has shown 614 breaches of 500 records or more. Healthcare entities are not only having issues keeping the records protected, but unfortunately, there has also been questions about releasing the information and when it is permitted. In 2019, the OCR annouced a new enforcement initiative termed "The HIPAA Right of Access" standard, CFR 164.524(a), which provides patients the right to access their protected health information within 30 days of request. In 2020 alone, fourteen enforcement actions were taken for violations of this statute. Education is the best defense against noncompliance. The most effective way to bridge the divide between non-compliance and adherence to the HIPAA regulations is through an education program on understanding the fundamentals of HIPAA.
 

Learning Outcome Statement

  1. By the end of this on-demand program, participants can accurately identify the fundamental components of the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules on protecting health information (PHI) and know the guidelines for using and disclosing patient information within the healthcare environment.
  2. Upon completing this on-demand program, participants will be prepared with the HIPAA's basic requirements to foster a culture of compliance within their healthcare organization.


Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

  • Increase awareness of my surroundings and actions when sharing or handling protected health information.
  • Educate colleagues about HIPAA requirements and the reasons organizations are penalized for HIPAA violations.
  • Commit to complying with Federal, State, and my organization’s HIPAA rules regarding the safeguarding of health information.

Course Developers

Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM, Vice President Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Julie Song, MPH, CPHRM, CPHQ, Patient Safety Risk Manager II, The Doctors Company
Michelle Swift, RN, JD CPHRM, CPPS, Senior Patient Safety/Risk Manager, The Doctors Company                
Kimberly Hathaway, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director Patient Safety Healthcare Quality & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company

Continuing Education Credit

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

ANCC - Accreditation and Disclosure Statement

The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 nursing contact hours. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

ADA - Accreditation and Disclosure Statement

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) by The   Doctors Company.

The Doctors Company is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ADA.org/CERP.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for 1.5 continuing education credits.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

Disclaimer

The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

Complies with State Requirements

Please SEE the Federation of State Medical Boards overview of Continuing Medical Education requirements by State. 
Please SEE the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse CE Requirements by State.

Technical Requirements

The activity is best experienced using the most current browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported on this platform. All activities featuring audio must have a speaker. To view graphic images and references that appear in separate "pop-up" windows, JavaScript and session cookies must be enabled on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required for certain activities.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call 800.421.2368.

Resource

Visit our Resource document for this program.