How often must covered entities conduct risk assessments?

Covered entities are required to conduct risk assessments regularly, but HIPAA does not set a specific frequency for these assessments. The requirement to perform risk assessments is part of the security standards established under the HIPAA Security Rule, which mandates that covered entities evaluate potential vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Performing risk assessments is crucial for identifying and mitigating risks associated with ePHI, but the law recognizes that each entity's circumstances can differ. Therefore, it emphasizes the need for ongoing assessment rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. Entities are encouraged to conduct these assessments whenever there are changes in technology, systems, practices, or whenever a significant operational change occurs that might affect the security of ePHI.