Preparing for Changes in HIPAA Requirements
For the first time since 2013, several significant HIPAA changes are anticipated to be implemented by the end of 2026. Specifically, the rules governing data security, information sharing, and patient access to PHI will change. Healthcare organizations must be aware of upcoming changes and positioned to adopt the new guidelines.
The article highlights that significant HIPAA updates are expected in 2026, but not yet finalized, particularly proposed changes to the Privacy and Security Rules aimed at improving patient access to health information, enhancing data sharing, and reducing administrative burdens on healthcare organizations. It also highlights recent regulatory developments, including updates to substance use disorder confidentiality rules and healthcare data standards, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in healthcare. Overall, many proposed changes may take effect in 2026, requiring organizations to update policies, retrain staff, and adjust workflows to remain compliant. Medical Mutual recommends monitoring for final regulatory guidance and implementation timelines, assessing current processes, and making modifications in response to these anticipated changes.
This article falls under Legal/Regulatory and Technology in the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) risk domains.
Legal/Regulatory
Risk within this domain incorporates the failure to identify, manage and monitor legal, regulatory, and statutory mandates on a local, state and federal level. Such risks are generally associated with fraud and abuse, licensure, accreditation, product liability, management liability, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Conditions for Coverage (CfC), as well as issues related to intellectual property.
Technology
This domain covers machines, hardware, equipment, devices and tools, but can also include techniques, systems and methods of organization. Healthcare has seen an explosion in the use of technology for clinical diagnosis and treatment, training and education, information storage and retrieval, and asset preservation. Examples also include Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS), Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Meaningful Use, social networking and cyber liability.