HIPAA Audit Checklist

HIPAA Audit Checklist Tool

Use this 10-point checklist to assess your audit readiness across core HIPAA areas.

1. Do you have a documented Privacy Policy?
2. Is there a designated HIPAA Security Officer?
3. Have you conducted a Risk Assessment in the past 12 months?
4. Are employee training records documented and up to date?
5. Do you have BAAs signed with all relevant third-party vendors?
6. Are access controls in place for PHI systems?
7. Do you maintain an incident response plan?
8. Are physical safeguards documented (e.g., locks, access logs)?
9. Do you perform regular data backup and disaster recovery tests?
10. Are your audit logs regularly reviewed and stored?

Your audit readiness score will appear here.

How to Use the HIPAA Audit Checklist Tool:

Review each item on the audit checklist and select the option that best represents your organization’s current status.
Once completed, click “Generate Audit Summary” to calculate how complete your audit documentation and practices are.
Your results will show whether you’re fully audit-ready or where improvements are needed.
Click “Download PDF” to save your audit results — perfect for internal reviews, documentation, or preparation for a third-party audit.

Features:

Covers 10 essential HIPAA audit requirements (Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and more)
Simple dropdown checklist interface
Instant summary score to measure audit-readiness
PDF export that includes each checklist item and your selected response
No data is stored — 100% private, browser-based tool

FAQ’s

Got Question? We've Got Answers

What is the HIPAA Audit Checklist Tool?

The HIPAA Audit Checklist Tool is an interactive web-based tool that helps healthcare providers, business associates, and compliance officers assess their readiness for a HIPAA audit. It covers 10 essential audit requirements, including risk assessments, BAAs, access controls, training logs, and more. The checklist format allows users to easily review and rate their current compliance status. Upon completion, the tool calculates a readiness score and provides clear feedback based on your responses. This score helps identify areas that need urgent attention before a formal audit occurs. Users can also download their responses in a formatted PDF report. It’s a simple, fast, and secure way to prepare internally for HIPAA audits without any third-party access to your data.

Who should use this tool?

This tool is designed for healthcare professionals, practice managers, IT administrators, compliance officers, and business associates subject to HIPAA regulations. If you’re responsible for protecting patient data, maintaining HIPAA documentation, or preparing for audits, this checklist is for you. It’s especially useful for small-to-medium practices that may not have in-house legal or compliance staff. Larger organizations can also use it as a pre-audit internal assessment tool. Consultants and HIPAA advisors may also find it valuable when onboarding new clients. The questions reflect real audit items commonly reviewed by HHS and OCR. No technical expertise is required — it’s user-friendly and designed to guide anyone in evaluating their compliance posture.

Does this tool replace a professional HIPAA audit?

No, this tool does not replace a full professional HIPAA audit. It’s a self-assessment tool that helps you understand your current level of preparedness. A certified HIPAA auditor or legal professional may review more detailed evidence and documentation than what this tool asks. However, it’s an excellent first step to identify gaps and get organized before an official review. Many users find that it reduces audit stress and saves time by creating a checklist they can act on. It’s especially useful for organizations conducting annual internal reviews or building a compliance roadmap. Think of it as a health check — not the full physical exam, but a helpful screening.

Are my answers or data saved anywhere?

No, your data is never stored, transmitted, or collected. This tool is 100% client-side, meaning it runs entirely in your browser. Your responses are processed locally and disappear when you refresh or close the page. We do not use any database, form submissions, cookies, or tracking technologies. Even the PDF generation is handled within your browser using JavaScript. This ensures full privacy, which is especially important for HIPAA-related assessments. You can confidently use the tool knowing your compliance information stays secure and private.

Can I use the PDF report for official HIPAA documentation?

The PDF report is intended for internal documentation and planning purposes. It summarizes your selected responses and final score, which can be helpful for team discussions or compliance roadmap tracking. While it’s not a certified audit report, many users include it in their compliance folders as part of their due diligence. It’s especially useful when conducting annual reviews or preparing for third-party audits. You can also use the report to show management or consultants what areas need improvement. If you’re in a regulated role or sector, use this tool as a supplementary resource alongside formal HIPAA documentation. The report offers a practical snapshot, not a substitute for legal compliance files.

How often should I use the HIPAA Audit Checklist Tool?

We recommend using the checklist at least once a year as part of your annual HIPAA compliance review. However, it’s also helpful to use it quarterly or bi-annually, especially if your organization has experienced staffing changes, system updates, or security incidents. Regular self-auditing keeps you proactive rather than reactive when it comes to compliance. You can also use it after implementing new policies or procedures to ensure those changes are being tracked. The tool is quick to complete and provides instant results, making it ideal for recurring check-ins. Frequent use can improve organizational awareness and help catch issues early. Over time, your audit readiness score should improve as gaps are addressed.

What’s the difference between this tool and the HIPAA Compliance Assessment Tool?

The HIPAA Compliance Assessment Tool is focused on broad readiness, assessing your organization’s overall HIPAA awareness and practices. The Audit Checklist Tool, however, is specifically designed to simulate what might be asked during an actual audit. It includes more documentation-specific questions such as training records, access logs, and data backups. In other words, the audit checklist is operational — it looks at whether you can prove you’re compliant. The assessment tool is strategic — it helps identify whether you understand and are trying to be compliant. Both tools work well together and can be used in sequence: assessment first, then audit checklist. Using both gives you a comprehensive view of where you stand.