The healthcare industry entered 2025 with rising operational pressures and mounting exposures. From escalating cyberthreats and persistent workforce shortages to ongoing supply chain instability and evolving telehealth regulations, today’s environment demands more than awareness; it calls for action. For healthcare leaders, staying ahead is essential to protecting patients, preserving organizational reputation, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
Learn the top insurance and liability trends reshaping the industry and what your organization can do to prepare.
Top Healthcare Industry Risks to Watch in 2025
Workforce Safety & Staffing Shortages
Labor shortages persist across the healthcare industry, fueled by an aging workforce, high turnover, and burnout. According to Deloitte, 58% of health system executives expect workforce challenges, such as staffing gaps, retention concerns, and the need for upskilling, to impact their strategy this year. Shortages can lead to longer shifts and expanded job duties, heightening risks for employee injuries and professional liability.
Cybersecurity Threats
As the healthcare sector adopts more advanced technologies, cybersecurity exposures are rising. According to Sophos, 67% of healthcare organizations experienced ransomware attacks in 2024, up from 60% in 2023. Other threats include phishing, insider risks, and vulnerabilities in third-party vendors. Breaches not only disrupt care delivery but can result in HIPAA violations, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
Supply Chain Resilience
Healthcare providers continue to face product shortages and delivery delays, which can impact patient care and increase operational costs. According to the American Hospital Association, 80% of healthcare organizations expect supply chain issues to persist or worsen in 2025. Shortages of essential supplies can delay procedures and raise costs, averaging $3.5 million in annual increases for medium-sized health systems.
Telehealth Risks
Telehealth continues to expand, offering benefits such as greater access and improved efficiency. However, it introduces new liability and compliance exposures. Risks include missed diagnoses due to limited physical assessment, technology failures, and constantly changing telehealth regulations, particularly around cross-state licensing and patient privacy.
How Your Health Care Organization Can Mitigate These Risks
To help protect your organization from these evolving challenges, consider the following strategies:
Promote Staffing Excellence
- Offer competitive compensation, benefits, and flexible work arrangements
- Invest in mental health support and staff wellness programs
- Provide upskilling and professional development opportunities
- Use automation tools and clinical decision support systems to ease workloads
- Foster a culture of safety that empowers staff to voice concerns
Enhance Cybersecurity Readiness
- Implement multifactor authentication and segment network access
- Vet third-party vendors and limit data exposure
- Conduct regular risk assessments and penetration testing
- Develop a comprehensive incident response plan
- Train staff in cybersecurity best practices
- Maintain cyber insurance coverage tailored to healthcare
Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience
- Diversify your supplier base to reduce reliance on single sources
- Build inventory buffers using data-driven projections
- Use predictive analytics and real-time monitoring tools
- Engage in risk-sharing agreements with vendors to manage disruption costs
Safeguard Telehealth Practices
- Partner with HIPAA-compliant platforms and thoroughly vet vendors
- Train staff in telehealth-specific protocols and evolving regulations
- Have escalation procedures to recommend in-person visits when needed
- Coordinate care across platforms to avoid fragmentation
- Ensure virtual care is included in your liability insurance coverage
We’re Here to Help Protect Your Healthcare Organization
As the healthcare landscape evolves, proactive risk management is essential. By staying informed, implementing tailored strategies, and seeking expert guidance, health care organizations can navigate these challenges and safeguard their mission of delivering quality care. Connect with a member of our team to learn more about how we can help safeguard your healthcare organization in 2025 and beyond.
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