
HIPAA includes regulations describing security and privacy requirements for “Covered Entities” (CEs) and their “Business Associates” (BAs) who have access to or handle Protected Health Information (PHI) on behalf of one or more CEs or other BAs. What exactly is HIPAA? Does my mobile or watch app need to be compliant?

We asked Kate Borten a few questions about HIPAA compliance for mobile apps and the complexities around security and privacy with programs that collect personal data…

“…knowing whether you are a BA and whether the data is PHI is not always black and white.”
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Knowing the specific terms and definitions will be important in understanding the role that you play and the actions that you need to take so always be sure to refer to your counsel for clarification, full terminology, and a complete understanding of the Act.

Mobile app HIPAA compliance is also not so cut-and-dry in terms of what apps need to be compliant or not.Īs a general rule, it really falls down to what information is being collected.Ĭonsumer apps that are collecting information, such as calorie count and weight loss information, typically don’t need to be compliant.įor example, the Google Fit and Apple Health apps are not collecting any PHI, so mobile app HIPAA compliance is not necessary in these cases. When it comes to understanding HIPAA compliance for mobile apps, there are a lot of complexities, mostly due to the ambiguity around what exactly is considered PHI (protected health information). So, before embarking on a mobile app project that involves storing or sharing health information, you must understand what HIPAA compliance for mobile apps is. This law ultimately affects the way information is stored and shared over technology, including mobile app HIPAA compliance. The law protects all “individually identifiable health information” or PHI (protected health information). In 1996, Congress enacted a law to protect and keep private medical records and personal health information of individuals. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Let’s have a look at how you can make your app HIPAA compliant by talking to four HIPAA experts.
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Whether you’re looking to build an Android or iOS device, HIPAA compliance in mobile apps is increasingly important as medical services happen over remote programs.
