In January 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed major updates to the HIPAA Security Rule, the first significant changes in decades. If you work in healthcare or handle protected health information (PHI), these updates matter to you.
The landscape has changed. Cyberattacks on healthcare organizations have skyrocketed, and the old standards just don’t cut it anymore. These proposed rules aim to strengthen cybersecurity, protect patient data, and reduce risk—but they also come with more accountability for healthcare providers and their business associates.
Here’s the real question:
Does your IT provider have the tools, experience, and mindset to protect your patients and your practice?
Compliance takes more than good intentions!
What’s Changing in the HIPAA Security Rule?
The HHS is shifting from flexible, ambiguous standards to clearer, enforceable requirements. Here's a breakdown of the most notable proposed changes (source: HIPAA Journal):
- No More “Addressable” vs. “Required” Loopholes
Under the old rule, many security safeguards were marked as “addressable,” which allowed covered entities to choose whether and how to implement them. The proposed rule eliminates this flexibility, making critical safeguards mandatory.
- Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The new rule would require MFA for systems that access ePHI. No more relying on just a username and password, you’ll need layered access protection.
- Encrypted, Role-Based Access Controls
Access to PHI must be limited based on user roles, and data must be encrypted at rest and in transit. Every access attempt must be logged and auditable.
- Real-Time Threat Detection and Response
Providers must implement systems that actively monitor threats, not just passive antivirus. This includes intrusion detection, vulnerability scanning, and incident response plans.
- Risk Assessments Must Be Detailed and Ongoing
No more annual check-the-box assessments. Risk analysis must be comprehensive, frequent, and documented.
What Does This Means for You?
These updates will make healthcare data safer, but they’ll also make compliance more complex. You’ll need:
- Updated security infrastructure
- Policy and documentation reviews
- New employee training modules
- Real-time monitoring tools
- A partner who understands both IT and compliance
Not All IT Providers Are Built for HIPAA
A lot of IT companies can “fix your Wi-Fi” or help you reset a password. But compliance? That’s a different story.
At Diverse CTI, we specialize in IT solutions that meet strict regulatory standards like HIPAA, CJIS, and PCI.
We don’t just protect your network, we help you:
- Document your security protocols for audits
- Implement safeguards that align with the updated HIPAA Security Rule
- Train your staff on data handling best practices
- Monitor, detect, and respond to threats before they cause a breach
Can your current IT provider do that? If you’re not sure… that’s your answer.
Why It Matters Now
The new HIPAA Security Rule changes are expected to be finalized later this year. Once implemented, enforcement will follow, and HHS has made it clear: ignorance is no longer an excuse.
Violations could result in:
- Heavy fines
- Loss of patient trust
- Legal liabilities
- Audit failures that shut you down
How Diverse CTI Helps You Stay HIPAA-Compliant
We provide healthcare organizations with:
- Fully encrypted backups and secure cloud infrastructure
- Role-based access controls and MFA implementation
- 24/7/365 network monitoring and real-time alerts
- HIPAA documentation and policy assistance
- Employee cybersecurity training and phishing simulations
- Proactive patch management and compliance reporting
We don’t wait for you to ask; we bring the solution to your door before it becomes a liability.
Ready to Stay Ahead of HIPAA Changes?
Let’s schedule a FREE Compliance & Network Risk Assessment.
We’ll evaluate where you stand, what you need, and how we can help you stay ahead of the rule changes, before fines or audits ever happen.
Click here to schedule your FREE assessment today, or call us at 405-210-3000, we’re here to help you stay compliant! Because in Healthcare IT, compliance isn’t optional, it’s foundational.
