Healthcare organizations face unique IT security challenges. Between HIPAA requirements, EHR system dependencies, and the high value of medical records on the black market, healthcare practices need specialized IT security—not generic business IT support.
⚠️ HIPAA Violation Penalties (2026)
| Violation Tier | Penalty per Violation | Annual Maximum |
|---|
| Unknowing | $137 - $68,928 | $2,067,813 |
| Reasonable Cause | $1,379 - $68,928 | $2,067,813 |
| Willful Neglect (Corrected) | $13,785 - $68,928 | $2,067,813 |
| Willful Neglect (Uncorrected) | $68,928+ | $2,067,813 |
HIPAA Technical Safeguards
Access Controls (§164.312(a))
- Unique user identification for all workforce members
- Emergency access procedures documented
- Automatic logoff after inactivity (15 minutes recommended)
- Encryption and decryption mechanisms for PHI
- Role-based access controls implemented
Audit Controls (§164.312(b))
- EHR access logging enabled and reviewed
- Failed login attempt monitoring
- File access audit trails active
- Logs retained for minimum 6 years
- Regular audit log reviews performed
Integrity Controls (§164.312(c))
- Mechanisms to authenticate ePHI
- Data integrity verification procedures
- Backup integrity checks performed
Transmission Security (§164.312(e))
- Encryption for PHI in transit (TLS 1.2+)
- Secure email solution for PHI (not regular email)
- Patient portal uses HTTPS with valid certificates
- VPN for remote EHR access
Healthcare-Specific Security Controls
EHR/EMR Security
- EHR vendor Business Associate Agreement current
- EHR access reviewed quarterly (terminated employees)
- EHR audit reports reviewed monthly
- EHR backup separate from vendor's backup
- EHR downtime procedures documented and tested
Medical Device Security
- Medical device inventory maintained
- Network-connected devices on segmented VLAN
- Device firmware updated regularly
- Default passwords changed on all devices
- FDA cybersecurity guidance followed for applicable devices
Physical Safeguards
- Workstation screens positioned away from public view
- Privacy screens on workstations in public areas
- Badge access to areas with PHI
- Visitor sign-in procedures followed
- Device disposal procedures (certified destruction)
Required Documentation
- Current Risk Analysis (required annually)
- Risk Management Plan
- Security policies and procedures
- Business Associate Agreements for all vendors
- Workforce training records
- Incident response plan
- Breach notification procedures
Pro Tip: OCR (Office for Civil Rights) investigators first ask for your Risk Analysis. If you don't have one, fines increase significantly.
Healthcare IT Support from Sabre
Sabre IT Services specializes in HIPAA-compliant IT for healthcare practices in Columbus, Ohio. We handle EHR support, compliance documentation, and security—so you can focus on patient care.
Schedule a HIPAA Assessment →
(614) 683-0060
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