Web-based and classroom training is now under way at UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. HIPAA includes a set of federally mandated privacy rules that were finalized last August. The rules go into effect April 14.

Other units, including the Neighborhood Clinics, are also being trained. The Web-based training is set up by unit, with each trainee receiving an individual user ID to track progress. The entire UW Medicine workforce, including volunteers and students as well as regular employees, is required to complete the training.

HIPPA regulations affect the security of systems on which patient data is stored, protections for the privacy of personal health records, and the requirements for safeguarding individually identifiable health information.

Some research work will also be affected by the new requirements. Along with tightening up security on computerized patient information systems, administrators also are working with the Human Subjects Division of the Office of Grants and Contracts to integrate the new rules into existing procedures for approving applications. A transition period will allow existing, ongoing projects time to adjust.