The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) continues to be a vital regulation for protecting patient information, but many healthcare providers still fall short of full compliance.
One of the most cited violations is the failure to provide workforce training on HIPAA rules. Without proper training, employees are more likely to commit costly errors such as disclosing patient data without authorization.
For example, a small clinic in Texas recently faced a $75,000 fine because a staff member shared a patient’s information via unsecured email. Training your workforce regularly is not just a recommendation - it is a requirement.
Another significant issue is the improper disposal of physical or digital records containing ePHI. Healthcare organizations must use secure methods such as shredding documents and wiping hard drives. Several penalties issued in 2025 involved records found in unsecured dumpsters or files left unencrypted on outdated systems. These incidents highlight the importance of physical and digital security practices.
Access controls also remain a weak point. Unauthorized access to patient files by internal staff is a breach of HIPAA regulations. Many organizations still do not use two-factor authentication or limit access based on job roles. These oversights can be prevented by implementing basic cybersecurity measures and ensuring staff access only what is necessary for their duties.
At eLearn Compliance Academy, our online courses help you meet your obligations and avoid fines; Take our HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule training today.
