How quickly must I report a HIPAA breach?

Individual notification within 60 days. HHS notification for large breaches within 60 days. The 2026 update adds 72-hour notification for certain security incidents.

Do I have to report every HIPAA breach to HHS?

Yes. All breaches of unsecured PHI must be reported. Large breaches (500+) within 60 days, smaller breaches annually.

What is the HIPAA breach penalty?

Penalties range from \$141 to over \$2 million per violation. Failure to notify is an additional violation with its own penalties.

Cybersecurity Archives

HIPAA Breach Notification: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

What to do when a HIPAA breach occurs. Step-by-step breach notification guide covering the 60-day timeline, HHS reporting, patient notification, and the new 72-hour rule.

EHR Compliance: HIPAA Requirements for Electronic Health Records in 2026

Your EHR system must meet HIPAA security and privacy requirements. Learn access controls, audit logging, encryption, and SAFER Guide assessment requirements.

HIPAA Encryption Requirements 2026: What the New Security Rule Demands

Encryption is now mandatory under the 2026 HIPAA Security Rule. Learn AES-256, TLS 1.2+ requirements, what must be encrypted, and how to implement it.

HIPAA Audit: What to Expect and How to Prepare in 2026

Complete guide to HIPAA audits in 2026. Learn what OCR auditors look for, how to prepare your documentation, and the most common audit findings to avoid.

Is There a HIPAA Certification? The Truth About HIPAA Compliance

There is no official HIPAA certification. Learn why, what alternatives exist, and how to demonstrate HIPAA compliance to partners, patients, and auditors.

HIPAA Compliance for Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure & Google Cloud in 2026

Running healthcare workloads in the cloud? Learn HIPAA requirements for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud including BAAs, encryption, access controls, and shared responsibility.

HIPAA Compliance for AI in Healthcare: What Organizations Must Know in 2026

AI tools that process PHI must comply with HIPAA. Learn the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and BAA requirements for healthcare AI systems, plus the 2026 Security Rule updates affecting AI deployments.

Telehealth HIPAA Compliance: Complete Guide for Providers (2026)

Quick Answer: Telehealth HIPAA compliance requires using platforms with end-to-end encryption, signed BAAs with technology vendors, patient consent for virtual visits, secure authentication, and proper documentation. The 2026 Security Rule update adds specific requirements for telehealth session security and remote patient monitoring data protection. undefined TL;DR: Telehealth exploded during COVID and is now a permanent […]

HIPAA Compliance for Mental Health & Behavioral Health Practices (2026)

Quick Answer: Mental health providers face additional HIPAA considerations including psychotherapy notes protections (which require specific patient authorization for disclosure), substance abuse treatment records under 42 CFR Part 2, and heightened sensitivity around behavioral health information. Standard HIPAA safeguards plus these specialized protections are required. undefined TL;DR: Behavioral health and mental health practices handle some […]

HIPAA Compliance for Dental Offices: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: Dental practices are covered entities under HIPAA and must implement the same privacy and security protections as other healthcare providers. Key requirements include conducting annual risk assessments, training all staff on PHI handling, securing patient records and imaging systems, and maintaining BAAs with dental labs and software vendors. TL;DR: Dental practices are one […]