As of February 16, 2026, new federal enforcement provisions for substance use disorder, or SUD, treatment records are officially in effect. The changes come from the HHS Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and significantly expand oversight of the federal confidentiality rule known as 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
Creating a professional and respectful environment is essential for both patient trust and staff well-being. New York State law requires all employers, including chiropractic offices, to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training for every employee, regardless of role or tenure.
Starting the year with a thorough review of your office’s HIPAA compliance helps protect patient information, ensures regulatory adherence, and reduces risk for your practice. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all covered entities—including chiropractic offices—are required to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for Protected Health Information (PHI).
December is an ideal time for chiropractic offices to conduct a year-end review of finances, policies, procedures, and operational practices. This ensures accurate recordkeeping, helps identify areas for improvement, and positions your practice for a strong, compliant start to the new year.
As we enter the season of gratitude, November is an ideal time for chiropractic offices to reflect on patient satisfaction and retention and to express appreciation for the dedicated staff who make quality care possible. Focusing on the patient experience now allows practices to celebrate successes, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen relationships with both patients and team members. This year-end perspective supports quality care, workplace morale, and long-term practice growth.
