HIPAA Compliance for
Solo Practitioners
Yes, even one-person practices need HIPAA compliance. No, it doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Here's how to protect yourself and your patients.
Practice Size Does Not Exempt You
A common misconception is that small or solo practices don't need to comply with HIPAA. This is false. OCR has investigated and penalized solo practitioners. The requirements apply to anyone who handles PHI electronically, regardless of practice size.
Unique Risks for Solo Practitioners
Working from multiple locations
Coffee shops, home offices, patient homes — each presents unique security challenges.
Personal device usage
Using your personal phone or laptop for patient data mixes personal and professional risk.
No backup person
If something happens to you, what happens to your patients' data?
Wearing all the hats
You're the provider, the IT department, the compliance officer, and the admin.
DIY technology setup
Without IT support, ensuring your systems are secure is challenging.
Business associates unclear
Cloud services, billing platforms, EHRs — do you have BAAs with all of them?
What Solo Practitioners Actually Need
Required Documentation
- Security Risk Assessment (annual)
- Privacy policies
- Security policies
- Breach notification procedures
- Business Associate Agreements
- Training documentation
Technical Safeguards
- Encrypted devices and storage
- Strong passwords/authentication
- Secure email for PHI
- Regular backups
- Automatic screen lock
- Remote wipe capability
Operational Practices
- Secure workspace practices
- Proper PHI disposal
- Incident response plan
- Contingency/emergency access
- Regular policy review
- Ongoing self-training
How HIPAA Agent Helps Solo Practitioners
Everything you need to comply with HIPAA as a solo practitioner — risk assessment, policies, training, and ongoing support — all in one affordable platform designed for practices of one.
Common Questions from Solo Practitioners
Do solo practitioners really need to comply with HIPAA?
Yes. If you transmit any health information electronically — including filing insurance claims, sending prescriptions, or using an EHR — you are a covered entity under HIPAA. Practice size does not exempt you from compliance requirements.
What happens if I don't comply?
OCR doesn't give passes based on practice size. Solo practitioners have faced penalties ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000 for HIPAA violations. Beyond fines, a breach can destroy your reputation and patient trust.
Isn't this overkill for a one-person practice?
The requirements are the same, but the implementation scales to your size. You don't need enterprise security — you need appropriate safeguards for your situation. HIPAA Agent automatically adjusts recommendations to your practice size.
How long will this take me?
With HIPAA Agent, you can complete your initial risk assessment in about 45 minutes. Policy generation is instant. Ongoing maintenance is minimal — the platform handles most of it automatically.
What about my laptop and phone?
Mobile devices are a major risk area for solo practitioners. Our platform includes specific guidance on securing laptops, tablets, and phones that access patient information — including encryption, passwords, and remote wipe capabilities.
Do I need to train myself?
Yes, workforce training is required — and that includes you as the sole workforce member. The good news: you can complete HIPAA training through our platform in about an hour, and you'll get a certificate for your records.
Get Compliant in Under an Hour
Start with our free risk assessment. See exactly where you stand and what you need to do. No credit card required.
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