Audit Ready
HIPAA Audit Preparation
When OCR comes calling, you need to be ready. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything required to prepare for — and pass — your HIPAA audit.
89%
of audits find risk assessment issues
$50K+
average settlement for small practices
180 days
typical OCR investigation length
24/7
our AI helps you prepare anytime
Understanding OCR Audits
Why Audits Happen
OCR conducts audits through three main triggers:
- Complaint-driven: Patient or employee files a complaint
- Breach investigation: Following a reported data breach
- Random audit: Selected as part of OCR's audit program
What OCR Looks For
Auditors focus on demonstrable compliance, not just policies:
- Documentation: Written policies, procedures, and evidence
- Implementation: Proof that policies are actually followed
- Maintenance: Regular updates and ongoing compliance
Complete Audit Preparation Checklist
Risk Assessment
Completed Security Risk Assessment (SRA) within last 12 months
Documented risk analysis methodology
Identified threats and vulnerabilities
Risk mitigation plan with timelines
Evidence of addressing identified risks
Policies & Procedures
Written Privacy policies
Written Security policies
Breach notification procedures
Sanction policy for violations
Policies reviewed and updated annually
Training
HIPAA training for all workforce members
Training completion records with dates
Role-specific security training
Regular refresher training (annual)
Training on new policies/procedures
Business Associates
Inventory of all business associates
Signed BAAs with each BA
Due diligence documentation
BA compliance monitoring process
Terminated BA notification procedures
Technical Safeguards
Access controls and unique user IDs
Encryption for ePHI at rest and in transit
Audit logging enabled and reviewed
Automatic logoff configured
Emergency access procedures
Physical Safeguards
Facility access controls
Workstation security policies
Device and media controls
Visitor management procedures
Disposal procedures for PHI
Top Audit Deficiencies
These are the issues OCR finds most frequently. Address these first to significantly reduce your risk.
89%
No Risk Assessment
The most common deficiency. OCR requires a thorough, documented risk assessment — not just a checklist.
71%
Incomplete BAAs
Missing or outdated Business Associate Agreements, especially with cloud vendors and IT providers.
65%
Insufficient Training
Training not documented, not role-specific, or staff unable to demonstrate HIPAA knowledge.
58%
Missing Policies
Required policies don't exist, are outdated, or staff don't know where to find them.
52%
No Audit Logs
Systems not configured to log access to PHI, or logs not being reviewed regularly.
47%
Lack of Encryption
ePHI not encrypted on devices, in email, or during transmission.
How HIPAA Agent Prepares You for Audits
AI-Powered Risk Assessment
Complete your required SRA in 45 minutes with audit-ready documentation.
Policy Generation
Instant access to 18+ customized policies that meet OCR requirements.
Training Tracking
Automated staff training with completion certificates and records.
BAA Management
Track all business associates and their agreement status.
Audit Trail
Automatic logging of all compliance activities for easy retrieval.
24/7 AI Support
Get instant answers to compliance questions anytime.
Check Your Audit Readiness
Our free risk assessment identifies gaps before auditors do. Get your compliance score in under an hour.