HIPAA and Medical Patients

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HIPAA and Medical Cannabis Patients

In an evolving legal landscape where medical cannabis intersects with healthcare privacy laws, understanding the intricate details of HIPAA compliance becomes paramount for dispensaries and related entities. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), enacted to protect patient health information, introduces a complex framework that medical cannabis businesses must navigate to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Protected Health Information (PHI). 

Medical cannabis dispensaries, when involving a medical doctor’s recommendation, classify as Covered Entities (CEs) under HIPAA. This classification mandates a stringent adherence to the privacy and security rules set forth by HIPAA, aimed at safeguarding patient data. The act delineates specific guidelines on how PHI should be handled, emphasizing the need for encrypted communication channels and secure data storage solutions.

PHI encompasses a wide array of information, from basic identifiers like names and addresses to more sensitive data such as medical records and treatment plans. For cannabis dispensaries classified as CEs, the obligation extends to ensuring that all PHI, regardless of its form—be it electronic, paper, or oral—is protected in compliance with HIPAA standards. This includes implementing adequate physical, technical, and safeguards to mitigate potential risks.

The responsibility under HIPAA also extends to third-party vendors or business associates of these dispensaries. Any entity that provides services involving access to PHI must comply with HIPAA regulations, necessitating a robust vetting process to ensure these partners uphold the same standards of privacy and security. This compliance extends to ensuring that agreements with these business associates explicitly outline their obligations concerning PHI, thus safeguarding against breaches and unauthorized disclosures.

One of the pivotal aspects of HIPAA compliance is the Minimum Necessary Standard, which dictates that only the minimum amount of PHI necessary to accomplish a specific task should be used or disclosed. This principle underscores the importance of discretion and the need for policies that limit access to PHI strictly to individuals whose roles necessitate such access.

Moreover, the rise of cyber threats in the healthcare sector, including the medical cannabis industry, underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. With healthcare organizations being prime targets for cyberattacks, the importance of adopting best practices in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This is particularly crucial for cannabis businesses, many of which are in the startup phase and may lack the resources for a dedicated IT staff.

The legal intricacies of HIPAA compliance are further complicated by the dynamic nature of state laws concerning medical cannabis. HIPAA sets a federal standard, yet state laws can introduce additional requirements, especially when they provide greater privacy protections. Navigating this complex interplay between federal and state regulations requires a thorough understanding of both HIPAA mandates and local legal requirements.

In conclusion, HIPAA compliance for medical cannabis dispensaries is a multifaceted challenge that encompasses a wide range of considerations, from safeguarding PHI in various formats to navigating the relationship with third-party vendors. As the medical cannabis industry continues to grow, staying abreast of these regulatory obligations is essential for ensuring patient trust and maintaining compliance with healthcare privacy laws. Dispensaries and related entities must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive privacy policies, employee training programs, and cybersecurity measures to protect patient information and adhere to the stringent requirements set forth by HIPAA.

Micro-Learning Format

Micro-Learning Format

Our Hyper-Focused, On-Demand “Micro-Learning” Helps You Stay-on-Top of the Latest Industry Strategies & Tactics so You’ll Have the Training that Will GROW Your Skills to Become an Expert.

Learner Enrollment

Complete our hyper-focused, on-demand training that’s delivered in a “micro-learning” FORMAT so you can easily stay-on-top of the cannabis industry strategies & all of the latest developments.

70% Passing Grade

A passing grade of 70% or above is REQUIRED (for the majority) of all your assessments & there’s immediate “correct feedback” on “incorrect answers” so you will have unlimited attempts to pass.

Digital Credentials

You’ll always receive a digital certificate (that’s printable) & suitable for framing that shows PROOF of your cannabis industry skills and/or uses when you are applying to job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We offer a 90-day “Free Trial” (click here) so you can “test-drive” our platform and know what to expect in our eLearning solutions when it comes to our online “micro-learning” format. If you need your trial to last longer than 90-days or you need more time to test our eLearning solutions… you can always START your free trial again by simply re-enrolling.
Monthly! But don’t feel like you have to consume everything the moment it’s released… everything NEW that we create is published from the “Platform Roadmap” (click here) into our solutions, so there’s no rush or pressure to access it in “real-time.” Think of us as your always-available, training library… there’s a reason why we’re called “Netflix for Cannabis”…

Yes! Yet… it VARIES so much. For example, we’re accredited by Alaska’s Marijuana Control Board to provide their “Marijuana Handler Permit,” Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to provide their required “Responsible Vendor” compliance training, and others… see our “About Us” (click here) page for accreditations and memberships.

And 99% of our training applies to ANY country or jurisdiction (ex. Canada, Europe Australia, etc.) since our team publishes all our education “agnostically” (or “white-labeled”) so our eLearning solutions really apply to anyone that needs cannabis education… you must understand “English” (our “native language”) that’s really the only criterion to get started.

Our team is always creating new accredited curricula with our Subject Matter Experts who are industry professionals in their respective fields of study. The industry is still developing and there is no universal accreditation (ex. Department of Education, etc.), but we expect to see this change in the NEAR future and realize the vital role that accreditation plays.

Yes! We provide a total eLearning solution, so you can EASILY train your team in a way that will provide you with a “turn-key” solution for your whole team at an affordable price. It’s called “Headquarters” (click here), “HQ” for short, and how we become an “extension of your team” to increase your profitability ($$$), ensure you’re compliant and reduce your risks. We have clients from dozens of countries around the globe utilizing our eLearning solutions since 99% of our training applies to ANY country (as long as you speak English is our only current limitation). We have been trusted for years by companies around the world and we’re endorsed by the leaders that are driving the cannabis industry forward so if there’s training missing that you need then we will publish it via our “Platform Roadmap” (click here). We’ve built a best-in-class Learning Management System (LMS) that can be customized to your business from one centralized dashboard, allowing you to create learning plans for your teams, then track and assess everyone’s activities with analytics. Whether you want your team to perform better, to make better STRATEGIC decisions, or new staff to learn quickly… they will be equipped with credible knowledge and industry skills needed for your business.
It depends! Being an expert in the industry’s most valuable ASSET. It will create meaningful relationships with your peers and develop your knowledge to apply new skills. Proper training pays for itself over time and what you will learn makes you truly irreplaceable. Our training itself is highly valuable if you need to set yourself apart from the competition in the cannabis industry. What’s far MORE valuable than any certificate, however, is the actual knowledge you’re going to receive when you take our training and pass all the assessments. You will learn everything about cannabis that you need to know, and we’ll say that again: You will KNOW the cannabis industry, but it really depends on who you are…
  • If you’re a “cannabis lover, this training will set you apart from others who merely have read information online or have no cannabis knowledge, it is specialized training that you want today and lovingly seek to learn more about cannabis.
  • If you’re an industry professional, we can help set you apart from your peers and make you more valuable to your company. This is the surest way to get a raise or promotion that you likely already deserve (but don’t have a tangible reason to ask).
  • If you provide ancillary services, our eLearning solutions are a tangible way to show that you understand and know the industry, which helps you attract better, higher-paying clients to bolster your revenue and make a “bottom-line” impact.
  • If you’re a manager or business owner, this training is a great way to learn on-demand for yourself. We are your “Headquarters” (click here) and a great way to train team members so they’re up to speed on the latest trends and best practices.
Yes! It is 100% legal and you may enroll in our training regardless of the country in which you currently reside since we’re based in the United States and we are all protected by the First Amendment (Freedom of Speech). Regardless of location, it is legal to learn about cannabis and we have learners enrolling every single day since our training applies to ANY country. Taking our eLearning solutions, really, is the same as shopping on Amazon.com, eBay.com, or any place where you can legally purchase cannabis-related books, DVDs, magazines, or guides… so it is 100% legal to learn from us anywhere you are located on planet earth…
Yes! One of the biggest challenges that learners face today is “Accessibility” in all of their eLearning solutions and why we started our “Industry Impact Program” (click here) to make this change. Unlike most of our competitors (which do have great content), we are VERY different and sensitive to disabilities so we provide closed-captioning (sub-titles) for hearing-impaired and screen readers for those visually-impaired who want to learn about cannabis. Our platform is composed of a complex system with many parts and its development is always evolving so “Accessibility” is NOT a state. It is a process of continuous improvement in response to our learners and our wider technical environment. We have worked extensively to meet “Accessibility” standards. Here are the details of how we meet those requirements:
  • United States: “American Disability Act” (Section 508) is required so that information and technology are accessible for anyone with disabilities.
  • Canada: “Accessible Canada Act” aims to benefit all citizens, especially those individuals with disabilities, by helping to create barrier-free accessibility.
  • Europe (EU): “European Accessibility Act” used by EU governments and universities, aims to improve cannabis trade and remove country-specific rules.
  • Australia: “Disability Discrimination Act” applies to organizations developing online resources so there is no discrimination against people with disabilities.
  • WCAG 2.0: Used when deciding how to present content for the best web accessibility, these guidelines are always followed when we develop any media.
  • ATAG 2.0: Guidelines to construct content (as well as consuming online content) and help to improve the accessibility of the media that our team produces.
  • ARIA 1.0: As many parts of the user interface are dynamic and interactive, we follow these recommendations to utilize assistive technologies (ex. screen-readers).
Interactive! Our training is designed in a “micro-learning” format that is typically completed in less than a one (1) hour period, but you will find some longer ones too. “Micro-learning” is a HOLISTIC approach for skill-based learning that deals with relatively small learning units that are short-term-focused strategies specifically designed for skill-based training needed. We always recommend trying our “Free Trial” (click here) to get an idea of our online format. And our team of educational-technologist, Instructional Designers, and Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) strive to provide you with the best industry training and eLearning solutions available. With their peer-reviewed citations as leading experts, scientists, doctors, and educators… we always provide the best learning experience. Request new training on our “Platform Roadmap” (click here) or VOTE on current ones contributed by our community.
It varies… there is never any type of time limitations and training is ALWAYS happening because our training is 100% online, so you can start whenever you like. Typically, our enrollment duration for most of our training is one (1) year enrollment duration (unless noted). You will always be able to learn at your own pace, start, and stop at any time! Even though many different governments have specific time requirements for compliance training, there is no time limit to complete our training. You can work at your own PACE without having to worry about losing your enrollment and any time frame listed to complete the training is average since it varies person-to-person and your individual experience. For many learners who are well-versed in the subject matter, they can get through training at a much faster pace, and those that need to review the material can do so without having to feel PRESSURED about completing in a specific time frame or achieving specific competency.
Satisfyingly enough… you’ll find that our assessments are “satisfyingly difficult.” By that we mean, it’s difficult enough that you need to actually KNOW the materials, but it isn’t tricky or difficult just for the sake of being difficult. The majority of our training will require a 70% passing grade in order to complete (unless noted) and your certificate is immediately issued. That said, to preserve the exclusivity and importance of this designation, we have made the assessments challenging and the questions pertain to our proprietary methodologies, so you shouldn’t expect to be able to pass just because you have taken other training… we are VERY different compared to our competitors and our assessments will reflect those differences.
Yes! If you do not receive a passing grade (typically 70% or above is required) you may retake the assessment an unlimited number of times. After each failed attempt, you’ll always receive immediate FEEDBACK why it was wrong and provide you with additional learning.
No! A certificate of completion that can simply be purchased isn’t WORTH the paper it’s printed on. That’s why our training is challenging. If we’re going to allow you to display our certificate of completion, you better believe you’re going to have to apply yourself to earn it!

Easily! You or anyone can verify the authenticity of your certificate by going to the “Verify Certificate” tool (click here) using the unique code found on your certificate. Your certificates are assigned a unique code to VERIFY it in our Learning Management System (LMS) that way anyone can validate it by entering the custom code displayed to confirm its authenticity.

Remember, that you can always access your issued certificate(s) from your account in our LMS, under the “More” section (click here) in your profile. It is possible that you may complete several pieces of training – each with their OWN certificate – it would be time-consuming to visit every course to download all your certificates that have been issued.

To avoid this, on your profile, you can view all the certificates that have been issued to you. Go to your profile page under “Miscellaneous” and click on “My Certificates” which will take you to your ISSUED certificates and you can simply download them all at one (1) time.

Monthly! But don’t feel like you have to consume everything the moment it’s released… everything NEW that we create is published from the “Platform Roadmap” (click here) into our solutions, so there’s no rush or pressure to access it in “real-time.” Think of us as your always-available, training library… there’s a reason why we’re called “Netflix for Cannabis”…
Of course! We provide access to resume writing services so you can be ready to apply for posted job openings when you are browsing through available positions in the cannabis industry. The industry is currently BOOMING around the world and now is the time to get involved in the fastest growing industry that is happening on planet earth right now. There are numerous career opportunities opening on job boards or career websites every day. We always recommend checking locally too since the industry is RAPIDLY growing, you will never know what cannabis industry opportunities that will be in your own backyard.