If you run a healthcare practice in Montana, HIPAA compliance isn’t optional. But what many providers don’t realize is this: the rules have changed—and the standard for protection is significantly higher than it was just a few years ago.

The biggest risk today isn’t ignoring compliance altogether. It’s assuming that what passed an audit two years ago is still enough.

It isn’t.

Why Your Last HIPAA Compliance Review Is Likely Outdated

In early 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized major updates to the HIPAA Security Rule—the most significant overhaul since 2013.

These updates go far beyond minor clarifications. They represent a shift from a flexible framework to more specific, enforceable security requirements.

For Montana healthcare practices, the most important changes fall into four key areas:

1. Mandatory Technical Safeguards

Previously, many security controls were considered “reasonable and appropriate.” Now, several are mandatory, including:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for systems with ePHI
  • Encryption of ePHI (both in transit and at rest)
  • Network segmentation to limit breach impact

For smaller practices, this often requires a full review of current IT infrastructure.

2. Stricter Incident Response Requirements

HIPAA now requires more than a written policy. You must have a documented and tested incident response plan.

HHS expects:

  • Defined roles and responsibilities
  • Clear breach response procedures
  • Demonstrated ability to restore systems quickly

With the average healthcare breach taking over 200 days to detect and contain, delays are no longer acceptable.

3. Increased Oversight of Business Associates

If your practice shares patient data with vendors (billing, IT, software platforms), you are responsible for their compliance.

This means:

  • Updating Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)
  • Verifying vendor security standards
  • Regularly reviewing third-party risks

An outdated BAA is no longer just outdated—it’s a liability.

4. More Detailed Risk Analysis Requirements

HIPAA now specifies exactly what a risk analysis must include:

  • A full inventory of systems handling ePHI
  • Identification of threats and vulnerabilities
  • A documented plan to address security gaps

Generic checklists are no longer sufficient. HHS expects practice-specific, detailed analysis.

Why Montana Healthcare Practices Are Targeted

Healthcare has been the #1 targeted industry for cyberattacks for 15 years.

In 2025:

  • The average healthcare breach cost reached $9.77 million
  • Patient data remains highly valuable on the black market
  • Smaller regional practices often lack advanced security

Ransomware groups specifically target healthcare because:

  • Data is sensitive and valuable
  • Downtime disrupts patient care
  • Many practices are under-protected

Even well-run practices are vulnerable if they rely on outdated assumptions.

HIPAA Compliance vs. Cybersecurity: What’s the Difference?

This is where many practices get it wrong.

Compliance ≠ Security

  • Compliance means meeting regulatory requirements
  • Security means actually preventing breaches

You can be fully compliant and still get hacked.

The 2025 updates bring these closer together—but they are still not the same.

The goal is not just to pass an audit.
The goal is to protect your patients and your practice.

Key Questions Every Practice Should Ask

1. Has Your Risk Analysis Been Updated?

If your last assessment was before 2025, it’s outdated.

2. Are Your Business Associate Agreements Current?

BAAs older than 2 years likely don’t meet new standards.

3. Can Your Team Respond to a Breach Immediately?

Not in theory—in practice.

  • Has your plan been tested?
  • Does your staff know what to do?
  • Can you act within the first hour?

Know Your Risk. Secure Your Practice.

HIPAA compliance is no longer a one-time project—it requires ongoing alignment with evolving threats and regulations.

A proper compliance review should give you:

  • A clear assessment of your current HIPAA posture
  • Identification of gaps in MFA, encryption, and network security
  • Evaluation of your risk analysis and documentation
  • Review of vendor relationships and BAAs
  • Real-world readiness for incident response

Schedule a HIPAA Compliance Review

If you’re unsure where your practice stands under the new rules, now is the time to find out.

A professional HIPAA Compliance Review will give you:

  • A clear understanding of your risks
  • A roadmap to compliance
  • A stronger security foundation

Compliance is the floor. Protection is the goal.

 Schedule your free HIPAA Compliance Review

About the Author

Mike Marlow is the President and Founder of Information Systems of Montana, the state’s leading risk management and business continuity partner. With over 30 years of experience, he works directly with business leaders to develop IT and cybersecurity strategies that protect revenue, ensure compliance, and support long-term resilience.