Regulatory Compliance Training: 5 Best Programs

1. HIPAA Compliance Training

HIPAA is shorthand for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law originally passed in 1996 to broaden the protections for a patient’s Protected Health Information (PHI). HIPAA compliance training is required for all doctors, nurses, and businesses that have access to PHI. 

The HIPAA Privacy Rule states that employees must be trained “as necessary and appropriate for the members of the workforce to carry out their functions.” The HIPAA Security Rule requires training on internal policies and procedures, how to handle electronic data, and the consequences of security violations. HIPAA compliance training is generally administered on an annual basis. 

The price of HIPAA compliance training and certification is influenced by a number of factors such as:

• The type and size of the HIPAA-covered entity (e.g. a hospital, health information exchange, or other health care provider)
• The compliance readiness of the organization 
• Current IT infrastructure
• The chosen method for achieving HIPAA compliance (in-house solutions, third-party vendors, or automated tools)
• The cost of monitoring internal controls 
  
  

2. OSHA Compliance Training

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970) compliance training is all about preventing injuries, illness, and death in the workplace. OSHA has specific regulations that set standards for most industries. Here are the OSHA requirements that apply to general industry employers:

• Hazard Communication Standard: How to manage and handle hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Employers must write and implement a Hazard Communication Program to achieve full compliance. 
• Emergency Action Plan Standard: An emergency action plan details the actions employees should take in the event of an emergency. 
• Fire Safety: A fire prevention plan is a mandatory feature of OSHA regulations. 
• Exit Routes: All organizations must have accessible exit routes in the workplace
• Walking/Working Surfaces: Protection systems that protect workers from falls officially became a part of OSHA compliance in 2016.
• Medical and First Aid: OSHA rules compel employers to provide first-aid kits and personnel to address hazards in the workplace. 
  
  

OSHA training courses are available in 10- and 30-hour time spans. (There are 7.5- and 15-hour classes for disaster site workers.) Ten-hour classes are for hands-on workers and generally cost between $60 and $80. Thirty-hour courses are designed for those in supervisory roles with a price between $160 and $180.

3. GDPR Compliance Training

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) offers a strong defense of personal data. The GDPR stands out for another reason: it offers an intentionally broad approach to compliance controls. 

GDPR provides a list of core principles to define sound privacy governance, including:

1. Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
2. Purpose limitation
3. Data minimization
4. Accuracy
5. Storage limitations
6. Integrity and confidentiality
7. Accountability

For an organization to receive GDPR certification, it will need to obtain ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications. Pricing is determined by the complexity and size of the establishment.  

4. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Training

Anti-money laundering (AML) certifications can be obtained from the American Bankers Association or the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). Training programs teach employees about anti-money laundering concepts, how to identify financial crimes, and how to use financial software. 

The traditional path for AML specialists includes getting a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a similar specialty. ACAMS also grants up to 30 credits (10 per year) for professional experience over three years. 

The ACAMS exam is the standard method of certification and costs between $1,495 and $2,395, depending on the package you apply for and whether you work in the public or private sector. 

A similar test called the Certified AML and Fraud Certification (CAFP) is offered by the American Banking Association. The CAFP application costs $575. 

Related reading:

• How to Get a GRC Certification (Step-by-Step)
• What is Board Governance Training? (Overview, Definition, and Examples)
• How to Build a GRC Framework (Step-by-Step)
  
  

5. Ethics and Code of Conduct Training

An organization’s ethics and code of conduct policies define what is and isn’t good behavior for your staff. The two concepts are related, but there are subtle differences. A code of conduct outlines the expected demeanor for employees, while a code of ethics focuses more on overall principles and decision-making.

Training for these elements will always be adjusted for each organization’s standards and industry, but common topics for code of conduct training courses include discrimination, harassment, conflicts of interest, and misuse of company assets. 

Ethics training hones in on similar themes from a broader perspective, using practices like interactive scenarios, digital simulations, and workshops to get the point across.