Updated HIPAA Guide Released for 2026
A new, comprehensive guide to HIPAA compliance for 2026 has been published, detailing best practices for telehealth providers. It covers crucial updates on protecting patient health information (PHI), managing user consent, and handling third-party cookies. The guide is an essential read for virtual coaches needing to audit and update their digital privacy and data security protocols.
The temporary HIPAA enforcement discretion for telehealth, which allowed providers to use apps like FaceTime or Skype during the COVID-19 public health emergency, has ended. The 90-day transition period for providers to ensure their telehealth practices are fully HIPAA-compliant concluded on August 9, 2023, mandating a shift to secure platforms that support Business Associate Agreements (BAAs). Penalties for HIPAA violations have been adjusted for inflation in 2026. Fines can now range from $145 to $73,011 per violation, depending on the level of negligence. For the most severe cases—those involving willful neglect that is not corrected in a timely manner—the annual
