It's likely that you'll need both. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) establishes and enforces safety standards in workplaces. In healthcare, important standards include the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and the Hazard Communication Standard. An OSHA manual, which is a requirement, should encompass your exposure control plan, detailing procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and employee exposure assessments.

On the other hand, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) applies to all healthcare providers who electronically transmit health information. These transactions can range from claims and benefit eligibility inquiries to referral authorization requests and other activities for which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has set standards under the HIPAA Transactions Rule. Therefore, a HIPAA manual is crucial for compliance in these areas.

Under OSHA guidelines, training is mandatory for employees at the time of their hiring and annually thereafter, particularly for those at occupational risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). This annual OSHA training usually encompasses topics like Bloodborne Pathogens, Biomedical Waste Management, Hazard Communications, and other site-specific issues. It's important to note that records of OSHA training must be maintained for a period of three years.

HIPAA law on the otherhand does not specify a fixed duration for the validity of the training. As per the HIPAA Security Rule, organizations are expected to conduct training periodically. It is advisable to provide training at the time of hiring and then offer training annually. Proper documentation of employee participation in HIPAA training is crucial, and these records should be kept for six years

Our service includes toll-free phone support to address any inquiries related to OSHA and HIPAA regulations. In case of an OSHA inspection or a HIPAA audit, we offer guidance and support. Our assistance covers assistance with responding to official requests, managing documentation, and helping you avoid or reduce any potential fines.

Purchasing new manuals or training videos annually is not required. However, you do need to maintain current policy manuals and ensure annual employee training. Both your OSHA and HIPAA manuals should be up to date and reviewed each year, with a focus on verifying the accuracy of site-specific details.

While regulations may not change every year, it is important to update or replace your materials when changes do occur. Many of our customers use our Guardian Service for keeping their policies current, or our toll-free phone support for assistance. There are also customers who choose to purchase new manuals and training materials, but they typically do this every few years rather than annually.