Preparing for HIPAA Security Rule Changes 2025

A Let’s get straight to it: the biggest shift is that many security controls are no longer "addressable" but are now mandatory. I'm talking about core safeguards like encryption for data at rest and in transit, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for anyone accessing ePHI. The rule is finally catching up to the reality of the threat landscape. It also mandates annual technical asset inventories, more rigorous risk analyses, and formal incident response plans with a 72-hour recovery requirement. It feels like the training wheels are off, and organizations are now expected to operate with a much higher level of security maturity.

A The final rule is expected in late 2025. After that, HHS has proposed a 24-month implementation window, which puts the likely deadline in late 2027. But let's be honest, waiting until the last minute is a recipe for disaster. These aren't minor tweaks; they require significant architectural and operational changes. Thinking you can just flip a switch in 2027 is a dangerous assumption. Proactive alignment isn't just a good idea—it’s the only way to do this right without burning out your team and budget.