How Healthcare Providers in Ohio Can Stay HIPAA-Compliant with IT Security

Cyberattacks in the healthcare sector continue to rise, with HIPAA enforcement remaining stringent. In the past year, 92% of healthcare organizations in the U.S. faced a cyberattack, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Ohio's healthcare providers are particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by recent breaches at facilities like Southern Ohio Medical Center, which compromised thousands of patient records. Additionally, Ohio's economy, with a GDP of over $700 billion, is significantly impacted by the healthcare sector, which employs a substantial portion of the workforce.

This underscores the importance of safeguarding electronic protected health information (ePHI). Adhering to the HIPAA Security Rule is not just advisable—it is a legal requirement and a crucial business priority for maintaining patient trust and ensuring operational continuity.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Why HIPAA compliance is becoming harder (and more essential)

• What the 2024 HIPAA updates mean for your IT systems

• A step-by-step path to compliance for Ohio healthcare organizations

• How Securafy can help you become audit-ready in 90 days

HIPAA Compliance: Why It’s Non-Negotiable in 2025

Ohio’s healthcare sector has been repeatedly targeted by threat actors due to its high volume of sensitive patient data, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. The implications of these breaches are far-reaching, affecting not only the financial stability of healthcare organizations but also the trust and safety of patients whose personal information is at risk. Consider the following alarming statistics that highlight the severity of the situation:

A staggering $4.74 million is the average cost of a healthcare data breach in the U.S., as reported by the IBM 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report. This figure underscores the significant financial burden that such breaches impose on healthcare providers, which can lead to increased operational costs and potential financial instability.

In a recent incident, 15,136 individuals were affected by a breach at the Southern Ohio Medical Center. This breach compromised sensitive patient information, illustrating the tangible impact on individuals whose personal data was exposed, potentially leading to identity theft and other forms of fraud.

Moreover, over 100 million patient records were compromised in the Change Healthcare ransomware attack in February 2024. This massive breach highlights the scale at which cyberattacks can occur, affecting millions of individuals and causing widespread disruption across the healthcare sector.

For small and medium-sized medical providers in Ohio—such as clinics, dental offices, urgent care centers, and long-term care facilities—these statistics are not merely headlines. They serve as critical warning signs of the vulnerabilities that exist within their systems. These organizations must recognize the urgent need to bolster their cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data and maintain the trust of their communities.

2024 HIPAA Security Rule Updates: What Ohio Providers Need to Know

On December 27, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) introduced significant updates to the HIPAA Security Rule, aligning with the Biden-Harris National Cybersecurity Strategy. These changes are designed to enhance the protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI) and ensure that healthcare organizations are in sync with the NIST 800-171A cybersecurity standards. This alignment is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive patient data in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

Read more in our article: Navigating the New HIPAA Security Rule

The key changes introduced are as follows:

1. Mandatory Risk-Based Security Assessments: Healthcare organizations are now required to conduct thorough risk-based security assessments. These assessments are essential for identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate risks, ensuring that patient data remains secure.

2. Expanded Technical Safeguard Requirements: The updates call for more robust technical safeguards. This includes advanced encryption methods, secure access controls, and continuous monitoring systems to protect ePHI from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

3. New Emphasis on Third-Party/Vendor Risk Management: There is a heightened focus on managing risks associated with third-party vendors. Healthcare providers must ensure that all vendors handling ePHI comply with HIPAA standards, as any breach by a vendor can have serious repercussions for the healthcare organization.

4. Updated Incident Response Protocols: The revised protocols require healthcare organizations to have a well-defined and efficient incident response plan. This plan should enable quick detection, response, and recovery from any security incidents, minimizing the impact on patient data and organizational operations.

Healthcare providers must move beyond outdated security checklists and cannot simply rely on their IT providers to handle all security aspects. It is imperative for organizations to actively engage in these updated practices to safeguard patient information and maintain compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.

What’s Putting Ohio Healthcare Practices at Risk?

Many healthcare practices operate under the assumption that they are fully compliant with HIPAA regulations, only to discover vulnerabilities when they face an audit or experience a data breach. This false sense of security can be detrimental, as several prevalent issues often go unnoticed:

Firstly, the absence of a documented HIPAA security risk assessment is a critical oversight. Without a formal assessment, organizations lack a clear understanding of their security posture and potential vulnerabilities, leaving them exposed to threats.

Secondly, relying on outdated antivirus software or failing to implement real-time threat monitoring can leave systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. Modern threats require proactive and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to incidents swiftly.

Thirdly, inadequate data backup and disaster recovery plans can lead to significant data loss in the event of a breach or system failure. Ensuring that data is regularly backed up and that recovery plans are tested and effective is essential for maintaining operational continuity.

Additionally, unsecured devices or the use of shared logins pose significant security risks. These practices can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising patient data and violating HIPAA regulations.

Lastly, the failure to verify Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with third-party vendors can have serious repercussions. If a vendor mishandles ePHI, the healthcare organization remains liable for any breaches, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting and compliance checks.

These compliance gaps are not just minor oversights; they can lead to severe consequences, including six-figure financial penalties, erosion of patient trust, and lasting damage to the organization's reputation. Addressing these issues proactively is crucial for safeguarding patient information and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

A Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist for Ohio Providers

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what every healthcare organization in Ohio should be actively pursuing to ensure compliance and security:

1. Conduct a HIPAA & NIST 800-171A Risk Assessment Understanding your vulnerabilities is the first step toward securing your organization. A formal risk assessment is essential as it identifies potential security gaps and provides a clear roadmap for prioritizing remediation efforts before they escalate into violations. This proactive approach not only safeguards sensitive patient data but also aligns with regulatory requirements. Securafy is committed to supporting Ohio's healthcare community by offering complimentary compliance risk assessments to the first 10 organizations that reach out, helping them take the crucial first step toward enhanced security.

2. Implement Real-Time Security Monitoring In today's digital landscape, relying solely on static antivirus software is insufficient. Healthcare organizations must adopt a more dynamic approach by implementing 24/7 security monitoring, alerting, and incident response capabilities. This continuous vigilance is vital for the swift detection and containment of threats, ensuring that any potential breaches are addressed promptly to minimize impact and maintain the integrity of patient data.

3. Audit Your Business Associates The security of your organization extends beyond your immediate operations to include all third-party vendors, such as IT providers, electronic health record (EHR) software suppliers, and billing companies. If any of these vendors fail to comply with HIPAA standards, your organization remains liable for any resulting breaches. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct thorough assessments of all business associates to ensure they meet compliance requirements, thereby protecting your organization from potential liabilities.

4. Prepare for an OCR Audit Being prepared for an Office for Civil Rights (OCR) audit is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. Ensure that you can provide comprehensive documentation on several key areas, including:

• • Your security policies, which outline the measures in place to protect patient data.
  • Risk management decisions, detailing how potential threats are identified and mitigated.
  • Staff HIPAA training, ensuring that all personnel are knowledgeable about compliance requirements and best practices.
  • Breach response protocols, which should be well-defined to enable quick and effective responses to any security incidents.

If your organization cannot readily provide this documentation, you are at risk of non-compliance. Being audit-ready not only saves time and reduces stress but also helps avoid potential fines. For a more detailed breakdown of these requirements, refer to our resource: The Compliance Checklist Every Healthcare Provider Needs in 2025.

How Securafy Helps Healthcare Providers Across Ohio Stay HIPAA-Compliant

At Securafy, we specialize in compliance-first IT services for medical and healthcare organizations in Ohio. Our solutions are built to meet HIPAA, NIST 800-171A, and CMMC frameworks—without overwhelming your team or breaking your budget.

Our Services Include:

• HIPAA & NIST Security Risk Assessments

• Real-Time Security Monitoring & Threat Detection

• Vendor Risk & Compliance Management

• Audit Preparation & Documentation Support

• Data Protection & Disaster Recovery

We work with hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialty providers across Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and beyond.

Learn more about our approach: HIPAA Compliance & IT Support for Ohio Healthcare Providers

Limited-Time Offer for Ohio Healthcare Providers

We’re offering a 90-day HIPAA compliance boost for the first 10 healthcare organizations in Ohio.

Included:

• Free HIPAA + NIST 800-171A Risk Assessment

• Compliance roadmap and documentation toolkit

• Access to our HIPAA Compliance Guide (audit-ready format)

• Consultation with a certified compliance specialist

Secure your spot now.

Don’t Wait for a Breach to Get Compliant

HIPAA compliance is far more than a mere IT checkbox; it represents a critical legal obligation, a cornerstone of patient trust, and a vital component of your business continuity strategy. In the healthcare sector, where sensitive patient data is constantly at risk, adhering to HIPAA regulations is essential to protect both your patients and your practice. Whether you are operating a solo practice in Akron or overseeing a multi-site clinic network in Columbus, ensuring the security of electronic protected health information (ePHI) must be a top priority as we move into 2025. The stakes are high, and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe, including hefty fines, reputational damage, and loss of patient trust.

To navigate this complex landscape, let Securafy be your guide in simplifying your compliance journey. Our team possesses deep expertise in healthcare IT security, coupled with a strong local presence across Ohio, ensuring that your organization is not only protected but also thoroughly prepared and compliant with all regulatory requirements. We understand the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers and are committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. With Securafy by your side, you can focus on what you do best—providing exceptional care to your patients—while we handle the intricacies of compliance and security.

Start your HIPAA risk assessment today.