Based on our research, SAP can be 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) when used with its HIPAA Eligible Services and under a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
What is SAP?
SAP is a cloud and enterprise software provider that enables organizations to manage business operations, data analytics, and enterprise resource planning across industries, including healthcare. With SAP, organizations can leverage “HIPAA Eligible Services” to store or process protected health information (PHI) within the platform. SAP supports HIPAA compliance by adhering to the HIPAA Security Rule requirements in its role as a business associate.
Will SAP sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, SAP will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed by contacting your SAP Sales team.
What does the SAP BAA cover?
The SAP BAA establishes contractual assurances about data safeguarding, reporting, and access in accordance with HIPAA regulations. According to SAP: “SAP helps customers support HIPAA compliance by adhering to the HIPAA Security Rule requirements in its capacity as a business associate, including the implementation of the required technical, physical, and administrative safeguards.”
Their BAA covers:
- Protection of PHI through technical, physical, and administrative safeguards
- Breach notifications and reporting obligations
- Data access requirements in line with HIPAA regulations
- Compliance support for customers in their HIPAA efforts
Is SAP HIPAA compliant?
SAP signs a BAA and therefore can support HIPAA compliance. However, using SAP alone does not make an organization HIPAA compliant. As SAP states: “By offering a BAA, SAP helps support your HIPAA compliance, but using SAP services or other cloud services doesn't guarantee compliance of such cloud services. Your organization is responsible for ensuring that you have an adequate compliance program and internal processes in place.”
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
