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HIPAA risk assessment checklist

HIPAA risk assessment checklist

Identify, assess, and document HIPAA-related security risks clearly.

Use this template
or download pdf
HIPAA risk assessment checklist

Identify, assess, and document HIPAA-related security risks clearly.

Use this template
or download pdf

Our HIPAA risk assessment checklist helps healthcare organizations and their business associates identify vulnerabilities in their systems that could expose protected health information (PHI). It lets you evaluate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards in one clear workflow. You can then document gaps, assign follow-up actions, and demonstrate due diligence during audits or reviews.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), risk analysis is the first step in an organization’s Security Rule compliance efforts. With data breaches and OCR audits on the rise, this checklist aids you in avoiding costly fines while improving internal controls. Our template library also includes more tools for cyber security risk assessment, compliance risk assessment, or ISO 27001 risk assessment.

Related categories

Preview of the template
HIPAA Risk Assessment Checklist
General Information
Describe the scope of this HIPAA Risk Assessment
List all participants including role (e.g. physician, resident, nurse, med tech, network manager, etc.)
Describe key technology components including commercial software
Describe how users access the system and their intended use of the system
Risk Assessment
Click (+) Vulnerability after you have identified a vulnerability or threat source
Threat Source & Vulnerability
Observation
Threat source/ vulnerability
Evidence (flow diagrams, screenshots etc.) (optional)
Existing controls
Risk Rating
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk rating
Recommended Controls
Recommended controls or alternative options for reducing risk
Confirmation
Recommendations
Full Name
Signature
Date
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Frequently asked questions

What is required in a HIPAA risk assessment?

A HIPAA risk assessment must identify potential threats to protected health information (PHI), assess current safeguards, determine the likelihood and impact of risks, and document measures to reduce those risks. You’re expected to evaluate administrative, physical, and technical vulnerabilities across your organization, even third-party vendors handling PHI.

What are common risks identified in HIPAA risk assessments?

Some common risks include unsecured access to medical records, weak password policies, outdated software, unencrypted devices, and untrained staff. Physical risks like unlocked storage rooms or improper disposal of files also come up. These gaps often lead to breaches if not addressed.

What happens if you don’t conduct a HIPAA risk assessment?

You open your organization up to major fines, lawsuits, and loss of reputation. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regularly imposes penalties in the millions for lack of proper risk analysis. Beyond compliance, failing to assess risks puts sensitive patient data at serious risk.

Which tools or frameworks can guide a HIPAA risk assessment?

Many organizations use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or HHS’s Security Risk Assessment Tool as a starting point. These offer structure, but you’ll still need to tailor them to your operations. Checklists can help simplify the workflow and ensure nothing critical is missed.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.