HIPAA Security Rule Changes 2026: Key info for Leaders & IT Teams
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so too does the regulatory framework that governs the protection of patient data. The anticipated 2026 HIPAA Security Rule updates will bring significant changes to how covered entities manage cybersecurity, testing, and compliance oversight, marking the most substantial shift in HIPAA requirements in over a decade.
These updates were created to address the realities of today’s cyber threat environment, where healthcare data remains one of the most targeted and lucrative assets for attackers. They will affect not only executive decision-making but also IT, cybersecurity, and compliance teams tasked with safeguarding protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA Changes
While the final rule has yet to be published, recent enforcement activity, OCR guidance, and public discussions suggest that the 2026 updates will emphasize more prescriptive, measurable requirements, including:
Annual penetration testing and internal audits to validate security effectiveness.
Biannual vulnerability scans to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for systems accessing PHI.
Independent risk assessments to ensure objectivity and accountability.
Documented security governance that demonstrates continuous oversight and risk tracking.
These changes signal a clear shift from a self-reported, compliance-based model toward a tested, verifiable security posture model.
HIPAA Breach Statistics
The healthcare sector continues to battle mounting risks from ransomware, insider threats, and third-party vulnerabilities. In 2024 alone, 725 reported data breaches affecting more than 275 million records exposed the PHI of roughly 82% of the U.S. population. (The HIPAA Journal, “2024 Healthcare Data Breach Report,” January 2025). Often, organizations assume compliance until an OCR investigation or a breach reveals otherwise.
Proactive preparation for the 2026 changes goes beyond avoiding fines as it’s crucial for maintaining operational resilience and keeping patient trust. Early adopters of enhanced testing and governance practices will not only meet compliance requirements but also reduce the likelihood and impact of data breaches.
Next Steps for Healthcare Leaders and IT Teams
You don’t need to wait for the final rule to act. Here are five key steps executives, IT, and compliance teams can take now:
HIPAA Security Risk Assessment– Identify gaps and prioritize remediation.
Update Policies & Procedures– Reflect current technical, physical, and administrative safeguards.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)– Strengthen access controls for PHI systems.
Penetration Tests & Vulnerability Scans– Validate defenses and fix weaknesses.
Document Governance & Oversight– Track risks, decisions, and accountability.
How We Can Help
Clark Schaefer Consulting helps healthcare organizations strengthen their compliance posture through HIPAA risk assessments, policy updates, employee training, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning.
Our cybersecurity team combines compliance expertise with real-world security experience to help you:
Assess current readiness for the HIPAA Security Rule changes.
Develop a practical, prioritized roadmap for compliance.
Implement sustainable governance and continuous monitoring.
Don’t wait for the final rule to start preparing. A proactive assessment today can prevent costly remediation later.
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