Common Healthcare Compliance Abbreviations (Updated for 2025)
Healthcare compliance is constantly evolving, especially as HIPAA enforcement, OSHA training requirements, and digital health regulations continue to expand. This updated 2025 list of healthcare compliance abbreviations provides quick, plain-language definitions for professionals working in healthcare, HR, compliance, and medical training.
Tip for compliance teams: Bookmark this page as a go-to reference for HIPAA training, OSHA compliance, and healthcare audits in 2025.
HIPAA & Healthcare Compliance Abbreviations
ACO — Accountable Care Organization
Groups of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who voluntarily work together to provide coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients.
BAA — Business Associate Agreement
A legally required contract under HIPAA between a Covered Entity (CE) and a Business Associate (BA) that ensures Protected Health Information (PHI) is properly safeguarded.
CE — Covered Entity
Any healthcare provider, health plan, or clearinghouse that transmits health information electronically and must comply with HIPAA regulations.
CMP — Civil Monetary Penalty
Financial penalties imposed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for violations of healthcare laws, including HIPAA noncompliance.
DLP — Data Loss Prevention
Security technologies and policies designed to prevent unauthorized access, sharing, or loss of sensitive data such as ePHI.
DRP — Disaster Recovery Plan
A documented strategy for restoring IT systems and protecting data following a cybersecurity incident, natural disaster, or system failure.
EHR / EMR — Electronic Health Record / Electronic Medical Record
Digital patient records used for clinical documentation, billing, and care coordination.
FMLA — Family and Medical Leave Act
Federal law allowing eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons.
OSHA & Workplace Safety Abbreviations
GHS — Globally Harmonized System
International standard for classifying and labeling chemical hazards. OSHA requires GHS-compliant labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards, including healthcare-specific training requirements.
PPE — Personal Protective Equipment
Protective gear such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields required under OSHA to reduce workplace hazards.
SDS — Safety Data Sheet
OSHA-mandated documents outlining chemical hazards, handling procedures, and emergency measures.
WPS — Workplace Safety Program
An OSHA-aligned safety program designed to prevent injuries, exposures, and compliance violations.
Medical, Quality & Regulatory Abbreviations
HITECH — Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act
Strengthens HIPAA enforcement and promotes secure adoption of electronic health technology.
HIE — Health Information Exchange
Secure electronic sharing of patient health data between healthcare organizations.
ICD-10 — International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision)
Standardized diagnostic coding system used for billing, reporting, and compliance audits.
JCAHO — The Joint Commission
Independent organization that accredits healthcare organizations and sets national quality standards.
KPI — Key Performance Indicator
Metrics used to measure compliance performance, operational efficiency, and quality outcomes.
LEIE — List of Excluded Individuals and Entities
Database maintained by HHS OIG. Organizations must screen employees and vendors monthly to maintain compliance.
MU — Meaningful Use
Use of certified EHR technology to improve care quality, patient engagement, and data security.
NPP — Notice of Privacy Practices
HIPAA-required document explaining how patient health information is used and protected.
OCR — Office for Civil Rights
HHS division responsible for enforcing HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.
PHI / ePHI — Protected Health Information
Individually identifiable health data protected under HIPAA, whether in physical or electronic form.
PQRS — Physician Quality Reporting System
Medicare quality reporting program now incorporated into MIPS.
QAPI — Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement
Integrated framework used by healthcare organizations to improve quality and safety outcomes.
RAC — Recovery Audit Contractor
CMS program that identifies improper Medicare and Medicaid payments.
SRA — Security Risk Analysis
HIPAA-required assessment to identify risks to ePHI and implement corrective action plans.
TPO — Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations
HIPAA allows PHI to be used or disclosed for TPO purposes without patient authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions: Healthcare Compliance Abbreviations (2025)
What are the most common healthcare compliance abbreviations in 2025?
The most common healthcare compliance abbreviations in 2025 include HIPAA, BAA, PHI, ePHI, OSHA, PPE, SRA, OCR, and LEIE. These terms are frequently used in healthcare compliance training, audits, and regulatory enforcement.
Why are HIPAA abbreviations important for healthcare staff?
HIPAA abbreviations help healthcare staff quickly understand privacy, security, and compliance requirements related to patient data. Familiarity with terms like PHI, ePHI, TPO, and BAA is essential for preventing data breaches and avoiding penalties.
What OSHA abbreviations should healthcare workers know?
Healthcare workers should understand OSHA-related abbreviations such as OSHA, PPE, GHS, SDS, and WPS. These terms are critical for workplace safety, infection control, and hazard communication training.
Are healthcare compliance abbreviations updated regularly?
Yes. Healthcare compliance terminology evolves as regulations, enforcement priorities, and technology change. This glossary has been updated for 2025 to reflect current HIPAA enforcement trends, OSHA safety standards, and healthcare audit requirements.
Do healthcare compliance abbreviations vary by state?
While federal laws like HIPAA apply nationwide, OSHA enforcement, training requirements, and state healthcare regulations may vary. Many organizations supplement federal compliance training with state-specific guidance.
Where can I get HIPAA and OSHA training for my organization?
Healthcare organizations typically obtain training through accredited compliance providers offering HIPAA training, OSHA training, Security Risk Assessments, and ongoing compliance support.
🔗 Related: HIPAA Training Programs
🔗 Related: OSHA Training for Healthcare