HHS Maintains Strict HIPAA Audit and Enforcement Focus in 2026

Overview

Entering 2026, HHS is intensifying oversight of healthcare data protection. Proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule introduce stricter standards for risk analysis, vulnerability testing, incident response, and technical controls to address the sharp rise in healthcare breaches and evolving cyber threats. HIPAA enforcement is shifting toward stronger patient access protections, digital privacy, and mandatory cybersecurity measures. For healthcare organizations, the financial and reputational cost of non-compliance has never been higher. This webinar gives a strategic, actionable overview of the current enforcement climate. You’ll learn where HHS and OCR are focusing — including the Right of Access initiative and new cybersecurity directives — and leave with a practical plan to reduce audit, investigation, and penalty risk. Prepare to strengthen your compliance foundation and reduce risk in 2026.

Key Takeaways

● What HHS Is Targeting in 2026: A focused look at enforcement priorities and OCR’s increased oversight, including likely Enforcement trends impacting health systems.

● Current Privacy & Security Rule Changes: What’s new and how it affects everyday workflows, documentation, and data handling, with clear steps to align with the updated Privacy rule and Security rule.

● Audit Red Flags: The compliance breakdowns that most often trigger federal audits and why a missed control can lead to a HIPAA audit.

● Cybersecurity Enhancements: Updated guidance on risk assessments, safeguards, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning to reduce Compliance risk.

● Breach Notification Essentials: Timelines, escalation procedures, and reporting expectations to avoid costly HIPAA violation findings.

● A Clear Compliance Roadmap: Specific steps to improve readiness, train staff, and prepare for a potential Compliance audit or investigation.

● Practical Actions for Privacy: Concrete measures to protect Patient privacy and maintain trust.

● Regulatory Context: How this fits into the broader Regulatory update landscape and what to expect next.

● Enforcement & Penalties: What rising HIPAA enforcement means for boards and executives.

Who Should Attend

Healthcare CISOs, Compliance Leaders, HIM Directors, CIOs, Internal Auditors, Legal Counsel, Practice Managers, Privacy Officers, and Risk & Security teams.

Why Attend

● Learn the precise controls and documentation auditors now expect so you can close gaps before they become violations.

● Get a prioritized action plan to harden your security posture and reduce exposure to fines and reputational harm.

● Hear practical incident response and breach-notification workflows that meet current federal expectations and speed investigation resolution.

● Walk away with training and governance tips that operational teams can implement immediately to stay audit-ready.

Speaker Profile

Dr. Michael C. Redmond, PhD, MBA, is a respected consultant and auditor with more than 15 years’ experience in regulatory compliance and information protection. Known for a hands-on, practical approach, Dr. Redmond delivers clear, actionable strategies to strengthen HIPAA programs and cybersecurity defenses.

After Registration:
Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with login credentials and access to presentation materials. These resources are downloadable and may be shared with team members at your location for training.

System Requirements:

● Internet: A stable internet connection with a speed of at least 1 MBPS is recommended.

● Audio: A functioning headset or speaker with a microphone is encouraged for interactive sessions and a clear audio experience.

Session Cancellation Policy:

If for any reason ConferencePanel must cancel or reschedule the session, registered participants will be notified via email no later than 24 hours before the session start time.

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What Attendees Are Saying:

“ConferencePanel's webinar was well-organised and delivered practical insights our clinical team could act on immediately. The speaker was engaging and addressed all our concerns during the Q&A session.”
– Laura M., Compliance Officer, Regional Healthcare System

“I appreciated how easy it was to join and follow the session. The materials provided were professional and informative, and I was able to share them with my entire billing staff.”
– Raj D., Revenue Cycle Manager, Private Practice Group

What I loved most is that the speaker really got what we deal with daily. The updates were practical, and our care teams are already putting the resources to good use. - Anthony Grant, Nursing Supervisor at a Community Health Center

I found this extremely valuable. The speakers addressed key healthcare

challenges with clarity and provided insights that are directly relevant to

managers like me. - Dr. Angela Ramirez, Healthcare Manager

Session was very engaging. The speakers covered topics that really matter for

running a hospital efficiently. - Lukas Fischer, Hospital Director