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Compliance training is a formal process to manage risk and educate employees on policies, procedures, and requirements. Often government-mandated, this training is meant to ensure workplace safety and prevent violations of the law. Compliance training can seem cumbersome or even futile but the evidence is clear that proper training is vital. It can minimize legal risks, help to create a safe work environment, contribute to greater productivity, and protect your practice’s reputation.

Where should a practice begin?

Assigning or hiring a compliance officer is a great first step toward creating a culture of compliance. A compliance officer ensures that the practice meets regulatory requirements and oversees internal policies and procedures to safeguard against violations and manage risks. Be sure to work with your compliance officer to document and implement your practice’s policies. Outline your practice’s corrective action plan when compliance violations are observed.

What training should be offered?

At a minimum, you should offer the following training in your practice:

• Safety and wellness (including policies and procedures regarding COVID-19)

• Compliance

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Workplace Safety

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy & Security

  • Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments act (CLIA)

• Anti-discrimination

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Harassment/workplace violence

• Customer service

• Diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency

There may be state-specific requirements, so be sure to check the law in your state. Some state laws are stricter than federal law.

Who should be included in the training?

Everyone, with the exception of CLIA training. Your staff is your team. And your team contributes to the success of your practice. Every staff person including the administrators, front office, coders/billers, nurses, MAs, and physicians should complete compliance training on a regular basis.

How often should training be completed?

It depends on the training. HIPAA and OSHA training should be completed on an annual basis. The Academy offers certification training on HIPAA and OSHA for medical office staff to help meet those requirements. Other training may not be required annually, but it can be best practice to do this training on a similar schedule, because information is constantly changing, and new resources may become available.

Is it enough to do just this training?

Depending on what your state requires, it may be enough. But to take your practice to the next level, you should not just focus on “completing” this training. Instead, also strive to create a culture of compliance. Meet regularly with your compliance officer to determine if other training would be beneficial for your practice. Offer staff opportunities to take additional training for professional development. In addition to training, continually remind staff to report any compliance issues or concerns they have.

Employee training and particularly compliance training is an integral part of a practice’s success. Do not skimp on training. Invest both financially and with careful planning.

Additional Academy resources