Healthcare organizations generate and store vast amounts of sensitive data however protecting that information isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about earning your patients' trust. Choosing HIPAA compliant systems is one way to show you take data security seriously.
HIPAA compliant servers are designed to securely store, process, and transmit protected health information (PHI). These servers follow the strict guidelines from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data. To break it down, there are two main ideas here: HIPAA and servers.
When we talk about HIPAA compliant servers, we mean servers that are set up to meet all the specific security requirements of HIPAA, ensuring that healthcare data remains protected.
Read more: What is HIPAA?
For a server to meet HIPAA standards, it needs to have protections in place across three areas: physical, technical, and administrative safeguards. These cover everything from who can physically access the server to how data is encrypted and how employees are trained.
Read also: What are administrative, physical and technical safeguards?
If you’re considering moving to HIPAA compliant servers, the first step is assessing your organization’s needs. Do you need physical servers, or would a cloud-based solution make more sense? It depends on factors like the amount of data you handle, the sensitivity of that data, and your budget. A physical server might give you more control, but a cloud server could offer greater flexibility and scalability.
Not all server providers can offer HIPAA compliance, so asking the right questions is necessary. Make sure they understand HIPAA regulations and have the necessary safeguards in place. Also, verify that they’re willing to sign a business associate agreement (BAA)—a legal document required by HIPAA confirming their responsibility to protect your data. The agreement outlines what the provider is responsible for and ensures that they will handle your data securely.
While a HIPAA compliant server is a big step toward data security, it’s only part of the picture. You’ll also need to create detailed privacy and security policies explaining how your organization will protect PHI, including training employees on data security and developing clear action plans for responding to potential breaches. With well-developed policies, you’ll be ready to handle any situation that may arise, keeping your patients' data safe and your organization compliant.
HIPAA compliance isn’t a one-and-done deal. Technology and regulations change over time, and your organization needs to stay on top of both. Regular audits of your servers, security practices, and policies ensure compliance. You may also want to consider working with a HIPAA compliance officer or consultant, especially as your organization grows. They can help you stay ahead of potential issues and ensure that your data protection strategies are up-to-date.
In the end, HIPAA compliance is about more than meeting a legal requirement. It’s about building a culture of security and trust, showing your patients that you take their privacy seriously. With the right servers, policies, and practices, your healthcare organization can stay secure while delivering top-quality care.
Green Ridge Behavioral Health, a Maryland-based psychiatric practice, has settled with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a ransomware attack that compromised the protected health information of over 14,000 individuals. The investigation by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that Green Ridge's network servers were vulnerable, lacking security measures and proper risk analysis. These deficiencies left electronic protected health information (ePHI) exposed to risk. As part of the settlement, Green Ridge agreed to pay $40,000 and implement a corrective action plan, which includes strengthening their server infrastructure, conducting a thorough risk analysis, and enhancing monitoring to protect patient data and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
A HIPAA compliant server must meet strict security standards, including encryption, secure data storage, access control, and audit trails to protect patient information. The server provider should also sign a business associate agreement (BAA) with the healthcare entity.
No, not all cloud servers are HIPAA compliant. The provider must offer specific security features such as encryption, secure access control, and data redundancy, and they must be willing to sign a BAA.
Both physical and cloud servers can be HIPAA compliant if they meet the required security measures. However, physical servers require more in-house management, while cloud servers often come with built-in compliance features.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide