Based on our research, IBM Cloud 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 IBM Cloud?
IBM Cloud is a cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services, including infrastructure, platform, and software solutions, to businesses and organizations of all sizes. It offers scalable, secure cloud services designed to meet various industry needs, including healthcare.
With IBM Cloud, healthcare organizations can leverage HIPAA-ready cloud solutions to store and manage PHI securely.
Will IBM Cloud sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, IBM Cloud will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.
What does the IBM Cloud BAA cover?
IBM Cloud's BAA outlines its commitment to HIPAA compliance and specifies its role in protecting PHI. According to IBM’s Compliance Guide: "IBM Cloud has policies and procedures to help IBM comply with its HIPAA obligations as a business associate, including cases where IBM stores and transmits PHI. IBM's responsibility to the covered entity client is specified in the applicable Business Associate Agreement (BAA)."
Their BAA covers:
- Protection of PHI
- Security incident notifications
- Access by Health and Human Services (HHS) requests
- Individual right of access requests
- Return of PHI upon contract termination
- Auditing and reporting
What does the IBM Cloud BAA exclude?
IBM Cloud’s BAA focuses on secure cloud services and does not cover direct patient care or other services beyond cloud infrastructure and data management. It may not cover using non-healthcare-specific applications within IBM Cloud services.
Is IBM Cloud HIPAA compliant?
IBM Cloud signs a BAA and offers HIPAA ready services designed to handle PHI securely. As a result, IBM Cloud 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, known as 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 BAA is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under HIPAA and its business associates.
Kirsten Peremore
