Course Content
Introduction To HIPPA
This module introduces you to HIPAA and explains why it was created. You'll learn key terms that will be used throughout the course, such as PHI, Covered Entities, and Business Associates. All of these are foundational to understanding your role in compliance.
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What is HIPPA?
Key HIPPA Terms
The Privacy Rule
Here, you'll explore the HIPAA Privacy Rule and how it governs the use and sharing of patient information. You’ll understand what rights patients have over their health data and what situations allow or require disclosure.
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What The Privacy Rule Covers
Patient Rights Under HIPPA
Permitted & Required Disclosures
The Security Rule
This module focuses on protecting electronic protected health information (ePHI). You'll learn how to secure data using administrative, physical, and technical safeguards — and how to assess and reduce risks in your workplace.
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Administrative, Physical, and Technical Safeguards
Risk Assessments and Mitigation
Breaches and Enforcement
In this section, you'll learn what counts as a HIPAA breach, how and when to report it, and what legal consequences can follow. Real-world examples will help you recognize and prevent violations before they happen.
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What Constitutes a Breach?
Breach Notification Requirements
Civil & Criminal Penalties
Workplace Compliance
The final module brings everything together. You’ll get practical tips for maintaining HIPAA compliance in daily operations — from patient check-ins to emails and documentation.
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Best Practices for Front Desk & Clinical Staff
HIPAA & Technology
Policies, Training & Documentation
What Did You Learn?
HIPAA Essentials: Safeguarding Patient Privacy in Healthcare

HIPAA doesn’t mean you can never share PHI — there are clear rules about when it is permitted or even required.

Permitted Disclosures (No Patient Authorization Required):

  1. To the individual – Always permitted.

  2. For treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (TPO)

    • Sharing info with specialists

    • Billing insurance

    • Quality improvement reviews

  3. Incidental disclosures – Accidental but unavoidable (e.g., someone overhears a name in the waiting room) — as long as safeguards are in place.

  4. When required by law – Court orders, law enforcement

  5. To prevent or lessen a serious threat – If PHI may prevent harm to someone

  6. For public health purposes – Disease reporting, FDA tracking

Required Disclosures:

  • To the individual (if they request it)

  • To HHS when requested for a compliance investigation or review

When in Doubt, Leave it Out
If you’re ever unsure whether it’s appropriate to share PHI, always ask your compliance officer or supervisor before doing so.

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