SearchOnline Courses: Confidentiality FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
■ What exactly do the courses cover?
Both courses have seven chapters, with the Introduction providing a basic overview and the Advanced course much more detail. Chapter 1 discusses key concepts under both 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA, explaining who must follow these laws, the penalties for violating them, and what to do if these laws conflict with each other or with state law. Chapter 2 reviews the administrative requirements imposed by HIPAA, such as the appointment of a Privacy Officer. Chapter 3 explains basic rules that prohibit alcohol and drug programs from disclosing information about their patients. Chapters 4 through 6 review the main "exceptions" that enable alcohol and drug programs to disclose patient information, such as consent, medical emergency, and child abuse and neglect reporting. Chapter 7 discusses the "patients' rights" provisions in HIPAA, such as the right to access records.
■ What is not covered by these courses?
These courses address HIPAA's privacy regulations only. They courses do not address those parts of the HIPAA regulations that set forth the security and electronic standards providers must implement to protect electronically stored information. For those standards, programs should consult with their technical and computer support staff.
■ Why should I take one of these courses?
Providers of alcohol and drug treatment and prevention services across the country must follow 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and many may need to comply with HIPAA as well. They must figure out how HIPAA and the federal alcohol and drug confidentiality regulations work together and how they are affected by any relevant state laws. These online courses will guide providers through this legal maze. Moreover, you can get continuing education credits (see below).
■ Can I get continuing education credits?
Yes! Accreditation agencies in the following states and jurisdictions have approved the Introduction to Confidentiality course for 2 credit hours, and the Advanced Confidentiality course for 4 credit hours: NAADAC (national), Arkansas (for re-certification only) Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina. Approvals by other accreditation bodies are pending. Upon passing the self-tests at the end of all seven chapters and completing a course evaluation, you may print out your own certificate.
■ What if I have trouble passing the self-tests?
You may review the content of a particular chapter as many times as necessary and may take the self-tests as many times as necessary to pass. After, and only after, you pass the self-test for a particular chapter, you will not be able to re-access that chapter.
■ Can I take the course whenever I want?
Yes! The courses are 'self-paced' so that you can take them whenever you want. You also can start a course, log off, and return to it as many times as you wish by going to http://lac.org/hipaa-course. Moreover, there is no time limit for completing the course.
■ May I download the course?
Only a very few pages containing useful reference materials may be downloaded. The course does, however, have links to forms on the Legal Action Center's and other web sites which may be downloaded.
■ Is it hard to use if I have never taken an online course?
No. The course has clear instructions that can easily be followed by anyone with basic internet skills.
■ May I share the course with others?
No. Each 'seat' you buy comes with one password which only one person may use. You can give your password to someone else, but then you cannot take the course yourself. Moreover, the course has several mechanisms to ensure that it is not taken by more than one person. For example, after you pass the self-test for a particular chapter, you may not re-enter that chapter.
■ How do I get a username and password?
You get them when you purchase a course seat - both on a receipt you may print out and in a confirmation email. If you pay online (with a credit card), you will be able to take the course right away. If you send your payment information by fax or regular mail, you must wait to take the course until your payment is processed, which generally will take one or two business days from the time payment is received. At that point, your password will be activated.
(Note: After purchasing the course through the LAC Online Store, you will be emailed a Course Access Key, which you will use to generate your username and password to access the course itself.)
Registered users can access the course here: http://lac.org/hipaa-course/
■ How can I pay for the course?
Go to the course home page and click on 'Purchase course.' You can pay online with a valid credit card and get immediate access to the course. You also may purchase the course by fax or regular mail with credit card information, a check, money order or purchase order. With these payment methods, however, you will not be able to take the course until your payment is processed, which generally will take one or two business days from receipt of payment.
■ How soon may I take the course after purchase?
If you pay online with a credit card, you will be able to take the course right away. If you send your payment information by fax or regular mail, however, you will not be able to take the course until your payment is processed, which generally will take one or two business days from the time payment is received. At that point, your password will be activated.
■ What should I do if I lose my username and password?
Check your receipt and your email confirmation. If you cannot find them, please call us: (212) 243-1313 or (800) 223-4044 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time and say you are calling about the Legal Action Center's online HIPAA course.
■ I lost my Certificate of Completion. How can I get a new one?
Go to http://lac.org/hipaa-course and log onto the course as a 'returning user.' Your Certificate of Completion will appear on the screen if you have already completed the course and the evaluation. You may do this as many times as necessary.
■ Whom do I call if I am having technical problems with the course or have a customer service question?
Please call (212) 243-1313 or (800) 223-4044 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time and say you are calling about the Legal Action Center's online HIPAA course.
■ Who can answer my questions about the laws covered in the courses?
If you have questions about the material covered in the courses, you can consult the Legal Action Center's manual, Confidentiality & Communication: A Guide to the Federal Drug & Alcohol Confidentiality Law & HIPAA, or contact your state regulatory agency to see what resources are available in your state. Do not call the customer service number, as they will not be able to answer your question.
■ What computer software do I need to take the course?
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the forms and Real Player to see the two video vignettes. You can download both programs for free.
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