Which individual goal is BEST for a privacy professional to include in their objectives?

Focusing on continuing education to maintain professional competency is a fundamental objective for a privacy professional, as this field is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies, and best practices. By prioritizing ongoing learning, a privacy professional ensures they stay informed about current laws, industry standards, and emerging trends, which directly impacts their effectiveness in protecting patient privacy and ensuring compliance.

Maintaining professional competency through continuing education also demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards and personal professional development, which is critical in a role that centers around sensitive information and compliance. Such knowledge equips the privacy professional with the skills necessary to effectively navigate complex situations, anticipate challenges, and implement best practices in their organization.

While budget increases and staffing may be important for the privacy program's growth and effectiveness, these goals do not directly enhance the skills or knowledge of the individual professional, which can have a more immediate impact on their role and the compliance landscape. Collaborating with HR is valuable for operational consistency, but does not address the core need for personal development and adaptability in the face of changing regulations.