What is the maximum penalty for all violations combined in a calendar year for unintentional infractions?

The maximum penalty for all combined violations within a calendar year for unintentional infractions under HIPAA is indeed set at $25,000. This figure stems from the tiered penalty structure established by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which categorizes violations based on intent. Unintentional infractions are considered Level 2 violations, which carry a maximum annual penalty of $25,000. This penalty system recognizes that not all violations are due to negligence or willful disregard of the law, hence the distinction in penalty tiers. Understanding this tiered system is vital for entities that handle Protected Health Information (PHI) and must remain compliant with HIPAA regulations.