HIPAA Privacy Rule vs Security Rule: Key Differences

When handling protected health information (PHI), HIPAA compliance is not optional. Two of the most important HIPAA regulations are the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule. While they are closely related, they serve different purposes and require different safeguards.

Understanding the difference between the HIPAA Privacy Rule vs Security Rule is critical for healthcare organizations, SaaS companies, and vendors that handle patient data. Failing to comply with either can lead to fines, reputational damage, and lost business opportunities.

This guide breaks down the key differences, required safeguards, and how to stay compliant.

What Is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule focuses on how protected health information is used and disclosed. It establishes standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health data.

What the Privacy Rule Covers

• Applies to PHI in any form (electronic, paper, or oral)
• Defines who can access PHI and for what purpose
• Gives patients rights over their health information

Key Privacy Rule Requirements

• Limit PHI use to the minimum necessary
• Provide a Notice of Privacy Practices
• Allow patients to access, amend, and request restrictions on their data
• Train employees on proper handling of PHI

The Privacy Rule is primarily about policy, permissions, and patient rights.

What Is the HIPAA Security Rule?

The HIPAA Security Rule specifically applies to electronic protected health information (ePHI). It focuses on how ePHI is protected from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats.

What the Security Rule Covers

• Only applies to electronic PHI
• Requires organizations to implement safeguards to protect data
• Emphasizes risk management and ongoing security practices

Key Security Rule Requirements

The Security Rule is built around three safeguard categories:

1. Administrative Safeguards

• Risk assessments and risk management plans
• Workforce security and training
• Incident response and contingency planning

2. Physical Safeguards

• Facility access controls
• Workstation security
• Device and media controls

3. Technical Safeguards

• Access controls and unique user IDs
• Audit logs and monitoring
• Encryption and transmission security

The Security Rule is about systems, controls, and technical protection.

HIPAA Privacy Rule vs Security Rule: Key Differences

Area	Privacy Rule	Security Rule
Scope	All PHI	Only electronic PHI
Focus	Use and disclosure	Protection and security
Primary Goal	Patient privacy and rights	Prevent data breaches
Safeguards	Policies and procedures	Administrative, physical, and technical
Applies To	People and processes	Systems and technology

Both rules work together to protect health data, but compliance with one does not mean compliance with the other.

Common HIPAA Safeguards Organizations Must Implement

To stay compliant with both rules, organizations typically need:

• Written HIPAA policies and procedures
• Workforce HIPAA training
• Regular risk assessments
• Access controls and role-based permissions
• Encryption for data at rest and in transit
• Vendor and Business Associate Agreement management
• Incident response and breach notification plans

Many compliance failures occur because organizations focus on documentation but overlook ongoing security controls.

Why HIPAA Compliance Matters for Growing Companies

HIPAA compliance is no longer limited to hospitals and clinics. Today, it impacts:

• Digital health and health tech startups
• SaaS companies handling patient data
• Cloud service providers
• Medical billing and analytics vendors

Buyers and partners increasingly require proof of HIPAA compliance before signing contracts. A strong compliance program can reduce sales friction, speed up due diligence, and build trust.

How Polimity Helps with HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA compliance can be complex, especially when combined with other frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR. That is where Polimity comes in.

Polimity helps teams build practical, scalable HIPAA compliance programs that align with both the Privacy Rule and Security Rule without slowing down growth.

Polimity’s HIPAA Services Include:

• HIPAA risk assessments and gap analysis
• Privacy Rule and Security Rule policy development
• Administrative, physical, and technical safeguard implementation
• Vendor and Business Associate management
• Ongoing compliance support aligned with SOC 2 and ISO 27001

Whether you are preparing for audits, responding to customer security questionnaires, or building compliance from the ground up, Polimity simplifies the process.

Learn more about Polimity’s HIPAA compliance services.

Final Thoughts

The difference between the HIPAA Privacy Rule vs Security Rule comes down to how data is used versus how it is protected. Both are essential, and both require ongoing effort to maintain compliance.

Organizations that take a proactive approach to HIPAA safeguards are better positioned to avoid fines, prevent breaches, and win enterprise trust.

If you are planning HIPAA compliance initiatives in 2026, starting early can reduce risk and create a smoother path to growth.