Who is going to cause your next data breach? Chances are it won’t be a hacker. Staff error and insider misuse contributed to 58% of data breaches in 2014.
Your employees are experts at what they do patient care. But they may be less knowledgeable when it comes to cybersecurity or technology. Technology is impossible to escape these days, and every business has a digital side to it. And for those who are less familiar with it, confusion about possible threats and best security practices is common.
Staff training can correct this, and is actually required by HIPAA. All healthcare covered entities are required to implement a security awareness and training program for all members of its workforce (including management). If your practice fails to complete staff training, you could be held liable for simple mistakes, or even employee misconduct.
Training should cover
- malicious software
- social engineering threats
- good password practices
- secure electronic messaging options
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) mobile policies
- other steps needed to protect patient privacy
And while training is often thought of as a grueling ordeal, taking time away from the laundry list of important things you need to get to, it doesn’t have to be.
Onsite training or online training
Online training allows access from any location, at anytime, on any device whether that be a computer, phone or tablet. It also makes cataloging who has completed training incredibly simple. Once an employee has finished going through the materials, they’re automatically marked as having done so. Training logs can be printed at anytime, as they are always up-to-date. And emailed monthly refreshers keep the covered material at the front of employees’ minds.
All these features are perfectly affordable as well. Charged per staff position, and with discounts for clients having already completed risk assessments, online training can fit into any budget. You may already be taking steps to make your practice HIPAA compliant, but it is important to not neglect staff training, as failure to do so will undo all your previous compliance efforts.
Onsite training is also incredibly popular. Having an expert come to you makes more sense for a lot of practices. With all training materials provided, including handouts and a slideshow, onsite training makes compliance easier. Employees pay more attention, as nothing can distract them during the training session. Having an outside expert come in also makes employees take the training more seriously. Once the training is completed, attendance certificates are provided for each employee. Adding these certificates to your personnel files ensures that your records are complete and up-to-date, making your practice HIPAA compliant.
You are experts at what you do…and so are we. With decades of experience relating to cybersecurity and HIPAA, HIPAA.host understands what is required of, and is important to medical practices. The training offered by HIPAA.host is short, focused and effective, emphasizing patient civil rights, and the trust that patients place in their healthcare providers. Training is complete and will leave you confident that your staff understands how to navigate the digital workplace safely.
