What 2025 Policy Changes Mean for Patient Data and Communication

By: Atty. Rojane M. Puruel, LI.M.

As we move deeper into 2025, healthcare providers are once again navigating uncertainty—not from pandemics or public health emergencies this time, but from shifting regulatory priorities under a new presidential administration. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, many healthcare leaders are closely watching how his policies will affect data privacy, digital health practices, and compliance enforcement across the board.

One area expected to undergo changes is the regulatory environment surrounding patient data and provider communication—especially in relation to HIPAA enforcement, interoperability standards, and digital data sharing. These developments come at a time when patients are more engaged in their care, more protective of their information, and more vocal about how they want to be communicated with.

This article takes a clear-eyed look at how these 2025 policy shifts may impact providers, and what steps can be taken now to maintain trust, stay compliant, and build resilient communication systems in an evolving legal and technological environment.

Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape

Under the previous administration, efforts were made to modernize healthcare delivery and expand access to digital tools like telehealth and patient portals. However, some policies regarding data use, enforcement discretion, and provider interoperability were relaxed in response to pandemic-era demands.

With the Trump administration back in power, there is growing speculation that some of these relaxed rules may remain permanent, while others could see reversal or revision. For healthcare providers, this means preparing for both tightening and loosening of regulations at once—a balancing act that requires staying informed and agile.

Let’s look at three major areas providers should pay close attention to in 2025:

1. HIPAA Enforcement May Tighten Again—Or Shift in Focus

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has long served as the backbone of healthcare data privacy in the U.S. During the pandemic, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) introduced “enforcement discretion” for certain HIPAA violations, particularly related to telehealth and digital communication.

In 2025, however, there are signs that enforcement may begin to ramp up again, especially in response to rising cybersecurity threats and high-profile data breaches across the country. While some lobbyists are calling for more provider flexibility, there is public pressure on federal agencies to crack down on lax data practices and unauthorized sharing.

What this means for providers:

• Expect audits and investigations to increase, particularly for mid-sized practices and specialty clinics using cloud-based systems.
• Informal communication channels (such as texting, voicemail, or unencrypted email) will likely face renewed scrutiny.
• Documentation of patient consent, secure access protocols, and staff HIPAA training should all be reviewed and updated regularly.
• Maintaining HIPAA compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about preserving the trust that patients place in your care.

2. Interoperability Rules and the Push for Seamless Data Sharing

The 21st Century Cures Act, passed in 2016 and implemented more aggressively in recent years, introduced sweeping interoperability and information-blocking rules. These rules mandate that patients have access to their digital health information and that healthcare entities avoid “information blocking”—or delaying access without valid justification.

Though these regulations were championed during the previous administration, the Trump administration may seek to reduce what it sees as administrative burdens for providers. While this could mean some relief from reporting requirements or deadlines, it may also create ambiguity around how far providers must go in making data available across systems.

What this means for providers:

• Patient expectations for easy access to their health records remain high, regardless of federal enforcement levels.
• Ensuring that your communication workflows integrate seamlessly with EHRs, patient portals, and health apps is now standard—not optional.
• Providers should continue investing in interoperability, even if some compliance deadlines are softened, to remain competitive and patient-friendly.
• Forward-looking clinics and group practices should take the long view: enabling patients to view test results, lab reports, medication lists, and appointment details on demand helps reduce administrative burden and increases satisfaction.

3. The Rise of Consumer-Like Digital Communication—And the Risks It Brings

Patients in 2025 expect healthcare communication to match the convenience and responsiveness of other industries. They want updates via text, reminders in real time, and the ability to message their provider with questions.

While this evolution is good for engagement, it introduces risks—especially around unauthorized access, identity verification, and secure data transmission.

If the regulatory tone from Washington leans toward deregulation or provider flexibility, it may be tempting to adopt faster, easier digital tools without fully considering the security implications. However, patient privacy expectations—and legal liabilities—will still apply.

What this means for providers:

• Text messaging tools and web-based communication must include encryption and comply with patient consent protocols.
• Staff should be trained to recognize and handle sensitive information appropriately, even in casual communications.
• Providers should implement systems that document and timestamp interactions for accountability and audit preparedness.

Practical Steps for Providers to Take in 2025

As policy changes reshape the healthcare compliance landscape and patient expectations grow more complex, providers can no longer afford to take a reactive approach. Instead, 2025 demands a proactive, structured strategy to align operations with evolving federal standards, protect patient data, and foster clear, consistent communication. Below are practical, immediate steps healthcare organizations of all sizes can take to safeguard compliance, improve operational resilience, and enhance the patient experience.

Conduct a Comprehensive Communication Audit

Begin by evaluating your current communication systems. This includes phone systems, email platforms, patient portals, text messaging tools, and live support systems. Are these channels secure and HIPAA-compliant? Are they integrated with your electronic health record (EHR) system or other core software platforms? Most importantly, are they user-friendly for your patients?

An audit helps identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies. Look at response times, patient feedback, and how well internal teams coordinate information across touchpoints. A disjointed or outdated communication setup can result in patient confusion, missed care, and compliance risks. Use the findings to create a roadmap for modernization and workflow alignment.

Update HIPAA Compliance Training for All Staff

In an increasingly digital healthcare environment, HIPAA compliance is no longer just the responsibility of the IT department or clinical staff. Every member of your organization—particularly those in administrative, scheduling, and communication roles—needs to be thoroughly trained on HIPAA standards and data privacy protocols.

Establish a Data Breach Contingency and Response Plan

A key component of compliance readiness is having a robust contingency plan in place in the event of a data breach. Your contingency plan should define the chain of command, outline the immediate steps to secure systems and mitigate exposure, and detail the communication strategy for informing patients, staff, and regulators. Include timelines aligned with HIPAA breach notification rules.

Strengthen and Simplify the Patient Consent Process

HIPAA regulations permit patient communication via email, text, and other digital means—but only if patients have knowingly consented. Explain what types of communication patients will receive, and through which channels. Store signed consent forms in a secure, easy-to-reference system that support staff can access when needed. Most importantly, regularly verify and update consent records—especially when patients change phone numbers, email addresses, or care preferences.

Build a Secure, Multichannel Communication Strategy

Modern patients expect flexibility.  A multichannel communication strategy meets patients where they are—but only if it’s executed securely and consistently.

Start by mapping out your current communication offerings and identifying patient needs across demographics. Then invest in platforms that allow centralized management of messages across channels, including secure texting, patient portals, encrypted emails, and integrated phone systems. Ensure that each method is HIPAA-compliant and backed by policies on access, monitoring, and documentation.

Empower Your Frontline Administrative Teams

While clinical excellence remains at the heart of care, much of the patient experience—and compliance risk—hinges on non-clinical interactions. Your front desk, scheduling staff, and phone agents serve as the first line of engagement and often manage sensitive information. Invest in their training, tools, and autonomy to resolve issues effectively and empathetically.

Anticipating the Future: Regulation, Technology, and Human Connection

Regardless of who holds the presidency or what direction healthcare policy ultimately takes, one thing remains constant: patients want clear, empathetic, and secure communication with their providers.

Even as the Trump administration may explore deregulation in certain areas, healthcare providers should be cautious about abandoning best practices that protect patient trust and reduce liability. The reputation risks of mismanaging data or delivering inconsistent communication far outweigh any short-term operational relief.

Ready to Strengthen Your Communication Strategy?

Regulatory changes may come and go, but the need for secure, responsive, and empathetic communication remains constant. In today’s fast paced healthcare evolution, it’s crucial to ensure your practice has the systems and support in place to navigate these shifts with confidence.

At AnswerCare, we understand the importance of staying ahead—both in compliance and in connection.

👉 Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today to explore how you can future-proof your communication practices while putting patients first.