Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
15 articles available
A comprehensive HIPAA compliance checklist covers risk assessments, administrative/physical/technical safeguards, Business Associate Agreements, workforce training, breach notification procedures, and ongoing documentation requirements.
A HIPAA risk assessment is a systematic process to identify threats and vulnerabilities to ePHI, assess their likelihood and impact, and determine appropriate safeguards. It's the single most important HIPAA requirement and the foundation of your entire compliance program.
The HIPAA Security Rule establishes national standards requiring covered entities and business associates to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI).
The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes standards for how covered entities may use and disclose Protected Health Information (PHI), gives patients rights to access and control their health data, and requires a Notice of Privacy Practices.
HIPAA requires covered entities to notify affected individuals within 60 days of discovering a PHI breach. Breaches affecting 500+ individuals also require notification to HHS and local media. Business associates must notify covered entities without unreasonable delay.
A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legally required contract between a HIPAA covered entity and a business associate that establishes permitted uses and disclosures of PHI, security requirements, and breach notification obligations.
Health tech startups handling PHI must comply with HIPAA as business associates. A lean startup can achieve initial compliance in 2-4 months for $10,000-$50,000 using automation tools and templates.
SaaS companies that store, process, or transmit PHI for covered entities are business associates under HIPAA and must implement required safeguards, sign BAAs, and maintain compliance documentation.
