If you're a nurse practitioner running an independent practice — solo, with one or two staff, possibly part-time alongside another role — HIPAA compliance is one of those topics where the rules don't bend for your size. The 2026 HIPAA Security Rule amendments tightened the technical-controls floor for everyone, and the 25 states with full NP practice authority have been adding their own state-level data-protection layers on top. This is the practical map I'd hand a friend who just opened their own NP practice in 2026. You are now a covered entity The single biggest mental shift for an NP moving from employee to independent practice is that you are now the covered entity. Whatever you used to assume your employer's compliance officer was handling — that's your job now. Specifically you're personally responsible for: The Privacy Rule. Notice of Privacy Practices, patient rights, minimum-necessary rules, etc. The Security Rule. Administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for ePHI.…