# HIPAA Violations | Secureframe

> Learn who enforces HIPAA, the different types of violations and penalties, and exceptions to HIPAA requirements.

canonical: https://secureframe.com/hub/hipaa/penalties

Failure to comply with any of the HIPAA rules qualifies as a violation and is subject to civil or even criminal penalties. In practice, a HIPAA violation is as simple as an employee leaving a client’s medical file on their computer screen while they step away for a cup of coffee.

In this section, we walk you through who’s responsible for enforcing HIPAA regulations, the types of violations and associated penalties, how to avoid violations, and what qualifies as a HIPAA exception.