Is Your Organization Ready for HIPAA 2.0? Preparing for the 2024 Proposed HIPAA Security Rule Changes
- Scott Owens
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
The healthcare industry is on the cusp of one of the most significant updates to the HIPAA Security Rule since its original implementation. Often referred to as “HIPAA 2.0,” the proposed 2024 changes modernize requirements to reflect today’s cybersecurity threats, regulatory expectations, and patient privacy demands. For covered entities and business associates, this is more than a compliance update—it’s a call to strengthen your security program to meet today’s realities.
Key Components of the Proposed HIPAA Security Rule Changes
The proposed updates expand and sharpen requirements across several areas that directly impact how healthcare organizations safeguard electronic protected health information (ePHI). While the final rule is not yet in place, these are the major themes organizations must be prepared for:
1. Risk Analysis and Risk Management
Stronger requirements emphasize continuous, documented risk analysis. Organizations must demonstrate not just that they’ve conducted assessments, but that they’ve taken action to address identified risks and gaps.
2. Encryption and Data Security
Encryption at rest and in transit is elevated to a stronger expectation, with fewer allowances for “addressable” exceptions. Data security controls are expected to align more closely with industry standards and evolving cybersecurity frameworks.
3. Identity and Access Management
The proposed rule highlights stricter controls around user authentication, role-based access, and privileged account management. Multi-factor authentication is expected to move from “best practice” to a de facto requirement.
4. Incident Response and Reporting
Covered entities will be expected to implement formalized, tested incident response plans, with clear escalation paths and documented evidence of exercises. Regulators are signaling that untested plans will no longer be sufficient.
5. Vendor and Business Associate Oversight
The rule tightens accountability for ensuring business associates maintain security measures on par with covered entities. This means stronger due diligence, contractual assurances, and monitoring practices.
6. Governance and Accountability
The updates call for greater evidence of governance—defined roles, leadership accountability, and executive-level reporting on security risk and compliance posture.
Why Now Is the Time to Prepare
Even before the proposed changes become final, regulators and auditors are already expecting organizations to align with these standards. Cyber threats targeting healthcare are at an all-time high, and regulators are under pressure to hold organizations accountable. Waiting until the rule is finalized could leave your organization scrambling to close gaps. Instead, now is the time to understand where you stand—and build a roadmap to compliance and resilience.
Take the HIPAA 2.0 Readiness Assessment
At BluTinuity, we understand the challenges of preparing for new compliance standards. That’s why we’ve partnered with AssessIT.io to launch the HIPAA 2.0 Readiness Assessment, an online tool designed to help you quickly evaluate your organization’s alignment with the proposed 2024 changes.
With this assessment, you’ll:
Measure your current HIPAA Security Rule compliance against the new proposed requirements.
Identify gaps in governance, risk management, incident response, and vendor oversight.
Receive insights to prioritize remediation efforts before auditors or regulators come calling.
Are You Ready for HIPAA 2.0?
The next era of HIPAA security is here, and readiness is no longer optional—it’s essential. Take the first step by completing the HIPAA 2.0 Readiness Assessment today. When the rule becomes final, you’ll already be ahead of the curve.