Based on our research, Milestone XProtect Hospital Assist is not HIPAA compliant because it does not meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to safeguard protected health information (PHI).
What is Milestone XProtect Hospital Assist?
Milestone XProtect Hospital Assist is a remote patient monitoring software designed to help hospitals improve patient safety through video technology. It includes privacy features like configurable video privacy blurring and cybersecurity protections. However, Milestone makes it clear that compliance responsibilities rest with the hospital itself, and the platform is not HIPAA compliant.
Will Milestone XProtect sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
No, Milestone XProtect will not sign a business associate agreement, and therefore is not HIPAA compliant.
What does the Milestone XProtect BAA cover?
Since Milestone does not offer a BAA, hospitals cannot rely on the vendor to safeguard PHI under HIPAA obligations. Milestone emphasizes that while its software provides tools like Privacy Blur and cybersecurity protections, compliance is the hospital’s responsibility:
“Ultimately, we can only provide hospitals with the tools to protect their patient data within their own systems – the hospital is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws.”
“Security breaches are always a potential risk with any connected technology but, if hospitals can follow best practices, then mitigating that risk and being compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, or other local data protection legislation is made possible by Milestone software.”
Is Milestone XProtect HIPAA compliant?
Milestone XProtect does not sign a BAA, and as a result, is not HIPAA compliant. Hospitals may use its privacy and security tools to support compliance efforts, but ultimate legal responsibility remains with the healthcare provider.
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?
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. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of PHI as required by HIPAA regulations.
Kirsten Peremore
.jpg)
.jpg)
