Based on our research, Datadog is HIPAA compliant because it meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to safeguard protected health information (PHI).
What is Datadog?
Datadog is a monitoring and security platform that provides observability across applications, infrastructure, logs, and security signals. It allows organizations to monitor system performance, detect threats, and analyze logs in real time.
Datadog can be HIPAA compliant, but only when used with its HIPAA-eligible services and under the terms of its business associate agreement (BAA).
Will Datadog sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, Datadog will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed upon signing up for their services.
What does the Datadog BAA cover?
Datadog HIPAA compliance documentation states, “Datadog will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with customers that transmit protected health information (ePHI) through Datadog’s HIPAA-eligible services.”
Their BAA covers:
- Transmission of ePHI through HIPAA-eligible services.
- Encryption of all log submission endpoints.
- Security and privacy safeguards for log management under HIPAA.
- Compliance with HIPAA standards for storage and processing of ePHI.
Is Datadog HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Datadog signs a BAA and can be HIPAA compliant when used with its HIPAA-eligible services. However, there are restrictions, where HIPAA-enabled customers cannot use Zendesk Live Chat for support, cannot share logs or security signals from the explorer, and cannot use third-party powered generative AI services.
As a result, Datadog may be HIPAA compliant, but organizations must carefully review how they intend to use the platform.
The HIPAA compliant solution: Paubox
Paubox has developed a HIPAA compliant email and texting solution that makes it easier for providers to connect with their patients. It eliminates the need for third-party apps or logins, allowing patients to receive secure, encrypted texts and emails directly on their phones.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in significant fines and penalties for covered entities.
Who does HIPAA apply to?
HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates of these covered entities. These are entities that perform certain functions or activities on behalf of the covered entity.
What is a business associate agreement?
A business associate agreement (BAA) is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its business associates. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of personal health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA regulations.
