Software that handles protected health information (PHI) must be designed with privacy and security in mind. HIPAA compliance is an organizational responsibility, but software design plays a major role.
Technical safeguards
- Access control: unique user IDs, role-based permissions, automatic logoff
- Audit controls: logs of who accessed or changed PHI
- Integrity: protection against improper alteration or destruction
- Authentication: strong authentication, ideally multi-factor
- Transmission security: encryption in transit (TLS)
- Encryption at rest for databases and backups
Hosting and vendors
Use hosting and third-party services that sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and are configured for HIPAA workloads.
Don't leak PHI to marketing tools
Avoid sending PHI to analytics or advertising platforms through tracking scripts on authenticated pages or forms.
Interoperability
Use HL7 and FHIR standards to integrate with EHRs and other healthcare systems.
FAQs
Is there a "HIPAA certification" for software?
There's no official government certification; organizations demonstrate compliance through policies, safeguards and audits.
Can cloud hosting be HIPAA compliant?
Yes, with BAA-eligible services configured correctly.
What about RCM software?
Billing and claims software also handles PHI and needs the same safeguards.
