Based on our research, Square 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 Square?
Square is a payment and business management platform that provides tools for payment processing, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and business analytics.
With Square, businesses can accept payments in person or online, manage sales and inventory, and access detailed reports. Square offers HIPAA-compliant solutions when used in conjunction with a signed business associate agreement (BAA).
Will Square sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, Square will sign a business associate agreement.
What does the Square BAA cover?
The Square BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), stating: "We take reasonable measures, including administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, to protect your information from loss, theft, and misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction."
Their BAA covers:
- Protection of PHI
- Notifications of security incidents
- Access by HHS requests
- Individual Right of Access requests
- Individual accounting requests
- Return of PHI
Is Square HIPAA compliant?
Square signs a BAA and is, therefore, 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
