Someone once said that an optimist is a person who knows if they take one step forward and one step back not to be discouraged, they are just doing the Cha-cha-cha.  I have been trying to take that advice and cha-cha-cha my way through recovery.  As I do so, I realize that is exactly what we have been asking our clients to do with their Privacy and Security Programs.

So many small providers and business associates have compliance programs that are far from robust.  We have to find ways to get them off the ground.  Every time we start to review a new area we find a list of work that needs to take place to get things in order.  One step forward, one step back.  Cha-cha-cha.

Through trial and error, we have developed ways we can help work through the cha-cha-cha of their compliance program development without getting too discouraged.  Certainly, that has not been easy for anyone.  However, the patience and persistence needed to learn and perfect the Cha-cha-cha is probably very much the same level as many compliance officers require in their day-to-day efforts to develop and maintain a program.  I am trying to use my time with limited functionality in recovery to develop more ideas and methods to help our clients get through the processes of their program development and management. Taking a step forward is a key factor in making progress at all.  So many folks look at the big picture and get overwhelmed and freeze.  Even worse discouragement from the one step forward, one step back feelings just make them stop stepping forward at all.  However, the only way to get to the other side of any tough challenge is to keep putting that one foot forward.

I feel certain that actually learning and perfecting the Cha-cha-cha is a process that requires many hours of patience and persistence.  (Probably some blisters too.)  Just like my recovery, getting your compliance program moving forward must be done although it will be one step forward followed by one step back at times.  But, take some time to accept that this work may require that of you.  Figure out what your next step forward will be and take that step even if you end up stepping back once you do. There really is no better option than to embrace the dance!  Cha-cha-cha!

Filed under: HIPAA Tagged: Business Associate, Compliance, HIPAA, Small Provider