Why Traditional Compliance Training Fails: What's Broken and Why it Matters

Alicia Shickle
May 9
2 min read

Too often, compliance training is treated as a check-the-box activity. It’s something we do once a year, maybe during onboarding, and then forget until the next requirement rolls around. But this approach creates a dangerous false sense of security.

Here are the core issues we see:

1. No Formal Training Program

Many organizations lack a structured, repeatable compliance training program. Instead of a curriculum that builds knowledge over time, staff receive disjointed sessions—or worse, outdated PowerPoint decks with no engagement.

There’s no plan. No progression. No opportunity to build competency.
And because it’s not formalized, it’s not scalable or sustainable.

2. No Tracking or Accountability

Without a system to track who was trained, on what, and when, you can’t prove compliance—let alone measure effectiveness.

What happens when an audit hits?
Can you prove the front desk team received HIPAA training last quarter?
Do you know if the coding team reviewed 2024 E/M changes?

If the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s a liability.

3. No Follow-Up or Reinforcement

Even the best initial training loses its value without reinforcement.

Are there refreshers?
Do you assess understanding?
Is there coaching when someone gets it wrong?

Without follow-up, knowledge fades. And that leads to preventable errors.

Common Symptoms of This Breakdown

Let’s look at what this looks like on the ground:

✅ Inconsistent Onboarding: New hires get different messages depending on who trains them.
✅ Incomplete Documentation: Policies and training logs are scattered—or missing altogether.
✅ Unclear Ownership: No one knows who’s responsible for training—or everyone thinks it’s someone else’s job.

Bottom Line

When compliance training is inconsistent, undocumented, and unmonitored, you don't just risk noncompliance—you risk patient trust, financial penalties, and organizational integrity.

Let’s move from checkbox training to meaningful education that protects your people and your practice.

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This excerpt was taken from the Live Power Hour Lunch & Learn FREE webinar presented by Alicia Shickle on May 7, 2025. Join us for the next event with simple compliance tips to help you work smarter and more efficient!