Security Rule Guidance Material

In this section, you will find educational materials to help you learn more about the HIPAA Security Rule and other sources of standards for safeguarding electronic protected health information (e-PHI).

Risk Management Video Presentation

This video presentation is intended to raise awareness and provide practical education to HIPAA covered entities and business associates of the HIPAA Security Rule’s Risk Management requirement.

Like risk analysis, effective risk management is an essential component of both HIPAA Security Rule compliance and broader cybersecurity preparedness. Risk management is a critical step not only for safeguarding electronic protected health information, but also for defending against cyber-attacks more generally by reducing risks and vulnerabilities to a reasonable and appropriate level.

Topics include:

HIPAA Security Rule Risk Management requirements
OCR investigation findings of potential Risk Management violations
Risk Management and cybersecurity resources

In developing this video, OCR engaged with the regulated community by soliciting questions on risk management. The final segment of the presentation addresses a selection of these questions.

The video is available on OCR’s YouTube channel, @USGovHHSOCR.

Recognized Security Practices Video Presentation

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has produced a pre-recorded video presentation for HIPAA covered entities and business associates (regulated entities) on “recognized security practices,” as set forth in Public Law 116-321 (Section 13412 of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). The statute requires OCR to take into consideration in certain Security Rule enforcement and audit activities whether a regulated entity has adequately demonstrated that recognized security practices were “in place” for the prior 12 months.

This presentation is intended to educate regulated entities on the categories of recognized security practices and how entities may demonstrate implementation. Topics include:

The 2021 HITECH Amendment regarding recognized security practices
How regulated entities can adequately demonstrate that recognized security practices are in place
How OCR is requesting evidence of recognized security practices
Resources for information about recognized security practices
OCR’s answers to questions on recognized security practices

The video may be found on OCR’s YouTube channel, @USGovHHSOCR.

Security Rule Educational Paper Series

The HIPAA Security Information Series is a group of educational papers which are designed to give HIPAA covered entities insight into the Security Rule and assistance with implementation of the security standards.

Security 101 for Covered Entities

Administrative Safeguards

Physical Safeguards

Technical Safeguards

Organizational, Policies and Procedures and Documentation Requirements

Basics of Risk Analysis and Risk Management

Security Standards: Implementation for the Small Provider

HIPAA Security Guidance

HHS has developed guidance and tools to assist HIPAA covered entities in identifying and implementing the most cost effective and appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of e-PHI and comply with the risk analysis requirements of the Security Rule.

Risk Analysis
HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool

HHS has also developed guidance to provide HIPAA covered entities with general information on the risks and possible mitigation strategies for remote use of and access to e-PHI.

Remote Use

HHS has gathered tips and information to help you protect and secure health information patients entrust to you when using mobile devices.

Mobile Device

HHS has developed guidance to help covered entities and business associates better understand and respond to the threat of ransomware.

Ransomware

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications

NIST is a federal agency that sets computer security standards for the federal government and publishes reports on topics related to IT security. The following special publications are provided as an informational resource and are not legally binding guidance for covered entities.

NIST Special Publication 800-30: Risk Management Guide for Information Technology Systems

NIST Special Publication 800-52: Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations

NIST Special Publication 800-66 Rev. 2: Implementing the HIPAA Security Rule: A Cybersecurity Resource Guide

NIST Special Publication 800-77: Guide to IPsec VPNs

NIST Special Publication 800-88: Computer Security, Guidelines for Media Sanitization

NIST Special Publication 800-111: Guide to Storage Encryption Technologies for End User Devices

NIST Special Publication 800-113: Guide to SSL VPNs

Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 140-2: Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules

NIST HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit Application

NIST Cyber Security Framework to HIPAA Security Rule Crosswalk

The Federal Trade Commission Guidance

Security Risks to Electronic Health Information from Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Applications-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a guide to Peer-to-Peer (P2P) security issues for businesses that collect and store sensitive information.

Safeguarding Electronic Protected Health Information on Digital Copiers-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has tips on how to safeguard sensitive data stored on the hard drives of digital copiers.

Medical Identity Theft: FAQs for Health Care Providers and Health Plans-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has tips on how to minimize the risk of medical identity theft and how to help patients if they’re victimized.

OCR Cyber Awareness Newsletters

In 2019, OCR moved to quarterly cybersecurity newsletters. The purpose of the newsletters remains unchanged: to help HIPAA covered entities and business associates remain in compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule by identifying emerging or prevalent issues, and highlighting best practices to safeguard PHI. Visit our Cybersecurity Newsletter Archive page to view previous newsletters from 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions for Professionals - Please see the HIPAA FAQs for additional guidance on health information privacy topics.