HSLS Update

Research & Practice Fundamentals HIPAA Training Modules

The Education and Certification Program in Research &amp;amp;amp; Practice Fundamentals (RPF) <rpf.health.pitt.edu/rpf> is an Internet-based training system designed to provide large-scale compliance with governmental and institutional requirements. In keeping with this design, RPF released three modules related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA in March 2003.

HIPAA is federal legislation passed by Congress in 1996 that impacts the following three areas: insurance portability, administration simplification, and privacy and security. Non-compliance with both University and governmental policy on this matter can result in civil and/or criminal penalties, as well as disciplinary action related to employment. HIPAA required that training on this material be completed by April 14, 2003.

Development of the three HIPAA modules drew on the expertise of both the university and UPMC HIPAA units. Each saw the need to provide specific training for health care providers and staff, without radically different content between the two institutions. The result is educational material that is very similar, with some adjustments for institutional differences.

In addition to training health care providers, staff, and students, the university required a HIPAA-related module exclusively for those involved in types of research that may fall under HIPAA policies. Individuals at Pitt and its associated institutions who participate in such research are required to complete the training. Consequences for not completing this training can include delays on grant/protocol submissions, or the inability to participate in the research at the university.

To determine which modules must be completed, and to link to the university and UPMC online HIPAA training, review the “Training Chart for HIPAA Modules” link on the RFP “What Is Required?” Web page <rpf.health.pitt.edu/rpf/about/about.cfm? main=aboutReqd>. The “What Is Required?” page also links to the list of individuals who must receive a copy of signed, completed training certificates.

The following are important links related to this article:

• University of Pittsburgh’s HIPAA Web site <www.pitt.edu/hipaa>
• UPMC’s Physician HIPAA Web site <www.upmc.edu/ccehs>
• UPMC’s Staff HIPAA Web site (NOTE: available only to those with access to UPMC’s network) <infonet.upmc.edu/hipaa>
• The list of individuals who must receive a copy of the signed, completed training certificates <rpf.health.pitt.edu/rpf/about/about.cfm?main= aboutReqd>
• U.S. Government Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA Web site <www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/>

--Ari Beedle,Systems Programmer, Center for Biomedical Informatics (CBMI)

--Andre Francois, Information Technology Manager, Schools of the Health Sciences