Understanding HIPAA Rules & Requirements

HIPAA compliance is structured around a set of rules and requirements that govern how organizations handle protected health information (PHI).

At the core of HIPAA are four main rules:

• Privacy Rule: Establishes standards for the use and disclosure of PHI.

• Security Rule: Sets safeguards for protecting electronic PHI (ePHI).

• Breach Notification Rule: Requires covered entities and business associates to notify affected individuals of data breaches involving PHI.

• Enforcement Rule: Defines penalties for non-compliance and outlines enforcement processes.

Additionally, the HIPAA Omnibus Rule enhances these protections by strengthening privacy rights and expanding responsibilities for business associates.

To comply with HIPAA, organizations must:

• Implement required policies and procedures

• Conduct regular risk assessments

• Train employees on privacy and security practices

• Maintain proper documentation

• Ensure vendor relationships are governed by Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)

HIPAA requirements also complement frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, helping organizations build holistic, risk-based privacy and security programs.