Stay current with the latest HIPAA changes, OCR guidance, and enforcement trends.
Action Required: 2026 Privacy Rule
New NPP requirements take effect February 2026. Update your Notice of Privacy Practices before the deadline.
UpcomingHigh ImpactFebruary 2026
2026 HIPAA Privacy Rule Updates
Major changes to Notice of Privacy Practices, patient access rights, and reproductive health information protections.
The HHS Office for Civil Rights has finalized significant updates to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, taking effect February 2026.
Key Changes:
Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP):
Clearer, plain-language requirements
New required disclosures about patient rights
Must explain electronic access options
Updated distribution requirements
Patient Access Rights:
Strengthened right of access provisions
Reduced fees for electronic copies
15-day response requirement (down from 30)
Third-party access designations
Reproductive Health Information:
New protections for reproductive healthcare records
Limits on disclosures for investigation/litigation
Attestation requirements for certain disclosures
Action Required:
Update your NPP before February 2026
Review access request procedures
Train staff on new requirements
Update privacy policies
CurrentHigh ImpactJanuary 2026
OCR Enforcement Trends & Focus Areas
Record enforcement activity in 2025 with continued focus on risk assessments, patient access, and small practices.
The Office for Civil Rights continues aggressive HIPAA enforcement, with particular focus on several key areas.
2025 Enforcement Highlights:
Record number of enforcement actions
Increased focus on small and medium practices
Right of Access Initiative continues
HIPAA Security Rule Audit Program expansion
Current Focus Areas:
Risk Assessments:
Most common deficiency cited
Required regardless of practice size
Must be documented and updated regularly
Addressable specifications still require documentation
Patient Access:
40+ enforcement actions under Right of Access Initiative
Settlements ranging from $3,500 to $200,000+
30-day compliance deadline (15 days under 2026 rules)
Business Associate Oversight:
Covered entities responsible for BA compliance
BAA requirement strictly enforced
Subcontractor chain requirements
Ransomware Response:
Investigations following ransomware attacks
Breach notification compliance scrutinized
Security measures examined post-incident
CurrentMedium ImpactDecember 2025
HHS Healthcare Cybersecurity Guidelines
New voluntary cybersecurity performance goals for healthcare organizations.
HHS has released Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) Cybersecurity Performance Goals to help healthcare organizations prioritize cybersecurity investments.
Essential Goals (10 items):
Email security (DMARC, anti-phishing)
Basic cybersecurity training
Strong authentication (MFA)
Basic endpoint protection
Vulnerability management
Incident planning
Network segmentation
Data backup
Third-party risk management
Asset inventory
Enhanced Goals (10 items):
Advanced email protection
Centralized log management
Cybersecurity testing
Insider threat programs
Configuration management
Enhanced incident response
Network monitoring
Supply chain security
Advanced authentication
Centralized security operations
Important Note:
While currently voluntary, these goals may become part of future Medicare Conditions of Participation or other regulatory requirements.
CurrentMedium ImpactNovember 2025
2025 Healthcare Breach Statistics
Healthcare remains the most targeted industry with record breach costs and ransomware attacks.
Annual breach statistics reveal continued cybersecurity challenges for healthcare.
2025 Key Statistics:
700+ large breaches reported (500+ individuals)
150+ million individuals affected
Average breach cost: $10.93 million
Average time to identify breach: 200+ days
Healthcare: #1 targeted industry for 13th year
Top Breach Causes:
Hacking/IT Incidents (75%)
Unauthorized Access (15%)
Theft/Loss (7%)
Other (3%)
Ransomware Trends:
50%+ of healthcare organizations attacked
Average ransom demand: $1.5 million
Average downtime: 21 days
Many organizations paying despite guidance
Implications:
Risk assessment more critical than ever
Cybersecurity investment essential
Incident response planning required
Business associate oversight needed
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