Compliance Standards

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. law signed on August 21, 1996, that sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. HIPAA was created to ensure that personal medical records remain private, secure, and accessible only to authorized individuals, while still allowing patients to access their own data.

Before HIPAA, most healthcare records were stored in paper form, and there were no federal laws regulating how health data could be shared or protected. As the healthcare industry shifted toward electronic systems in the 1990s, lawmakers recognized the need to secure digital records while keeping them available for patient care.

Since its adoption, HIPAA compliance has evolved through major updates to address new technologies and cybersecurity risks. In this article, we’ll explain how HIPAA has changed over time, why it matters for healthcare and data security, and share practical tips for staying compliant.

The HIPAA Security Rule protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI). To stay compliant, organizations must conduct regular HIPAA security risk assessments and implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. These measures help identify vulnerabilities, reduce risks, and ensure ongoing compliance.

If your organization needs expert guidance on HIPAA security requirements, RSI Security can help — schedule a free consultation today.

A HIPAA violation can result in significant fines, penalties, and, in severe cases, even jail time. The consequences depend on the severity of the violation and how your organization manages protected health information (PHI).

To avoid HIPAA violations and protect your organization, it’s essential to follow compliance best practices. Request a consultation with our experts today to ensure your PHI stays secure.