The purpose of HIPAA training is to ensure every workforce member knows how to protect Protected Health Information (PHI), follow the organization’s HIPAA policies and procedures, and avoid actions that could lead to privacy or security violations. Training turns the legal requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and HIPAA Security Rule into clear expectations that staff can apply in their everyday work.
Most employees will never read the regulations themselves, but they still need to understand what PHI is, when they are allowed to use or disclose it, how much information they should access under the Minimum Necessary Standard, and what to do if something goes wrong. Good HIPAA training explains these ideas in plain language and connects them to real tasks such as checking in patients, sending emails, working with billing systems, using electronic health records, and communicating with patients or clients.
Another core purpose of HIPAA training is to build security awareness. The HIPAA Security Rule requires a security awareness and training program for all workforce members, which means staff must know how to recognize phishing attempts, protect passwords, secure devices, and report suspicious activity quickly. When training is clear, practical, and refreshed regularly, it helps protect patients, supports trust with partners and regulators, and strengthens the organization’s overall compliance posture.