Based on our research, Help Scout 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 Help Scout?
Help Scout is a customer service software platform that provides tools for email management, live chat, help desk ticketing, and knowledge base creation. It enables organizations to streamline their support processes and improve customer communication while maintaining security and compliance standards.
Will Help Scout sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, Help Scout will sign a business associate agreement.
What does the Help Scout BAA cover?
The Help Scout BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), stating: “Business Associate will establish and implement safeguards for certain individually identifiable PHI relating to patients of Covered Entity that Business Associate may receive, create, maintain, use or disclose in connection with certain functions, activities and services that Business Associate performs for Covered Entity.”
Their BAA covers:
- Appropriate safeguards
- Mitigation of harmful effects
- Breach reporting
- Minimum necessary requirements
- Accounting of disclosures
- Access to policies and records
- Documentation of disclosures
Is Help Scout HIPAA compliant?
Help Scout signs a BAA, and as a result, is HIPAA compliant.
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.
FAQS
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information.
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 BAA is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under HIPAA and its business associates.
Kirsten Peremore
