What should a practice do if a HIPAA breach occurs?

When a HIPAA breach occurs, it is essential for a practice to conduct a risk assessment and notify affected parties. This approach is mandated by HIPAA regulations, which require covered entities to assess the nature and extent of the breach, the types of protected health information involved, and the likelihood of harm to affected individuals.

Carrying out a risk assessment enables the practice to understand the breach's scope and determine appropriate actions to mitigate any potential harm. Additionally, notifying affected parties is necessary to inform them of their rights and the steps they can take in response to the breach, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust.

The other options lack the appropriate response framework prescribed by HIPAA. Simply ignoring the incident or allowing it to resolve on its own does not address the legal obligations or the potential risks to patient data. Changing data storage methods may not directly affect the breach or address the immediate situation. Therefore, assessing the risk and notifying those impacted is the most responsible and compliant course of action in response to a breach.