New HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool: What Providers Need to Know
Risk assessments are one of the most important steps a practice can take to protect patient information and reduce liability. To make this process easier, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) recently released Version 3.6 of the Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool.
What is the SRA Tool?
The Security Risk Assessment Tool is a downloadable resource that guides practices through the HIPAA Security Rule requirements. It helps providers:
Identify risks and vulnerabilities to protected health information (PHI)
Evaluate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
Generate reports for audits and internal compliance files
What’s New in Version 3.6
New review and approval tracker
Updated Risk Scale
Improved Reporting
Security Updates
Better Usability
Why This Matters for Small Practices
The #1 most cited HIPAA violation is failure to conduct an accurate and thorough risk assessment. This gap often happens due to limited resources. Using the SRA Tool helps you:
Document compliance efforts
Identify real threats to patient data
Create an action plan for training, policies, and IT safeguards
It’s a cost-effective way to prevent HIPAA non-compliance. Access the SRA tool, user guides, and trainings at HealthIT.gov.
How ClientShield Can Help
Completing the SRA is just the beginning; however, the real value comes from interpreting the results and addressing gaps. At ClientShield, we help small practices:
Complete and document SRAs annually
Build action plans to address identified risks
Update policies, procedures, and staff training
Maintain compliance files for audit readiness
Our goal is to make HIPAA compliance less overwhelming for every practice we support.
Final Thoughts
Version 3.6 of the SRA Tool is a welcome update for small providers. It makes compliance more accessible and provides clear guidance for protecting patient data.
Want guidance on using your SRA to strengthen compliance?
[Schedule a Free Consultation with ClientShield]