Choosing a HIPAA Compliant Website Builder
Healthcare providers across the United States are investing time and money into creating an online presence that engages with their patients, improves their quality of service, and helps make physicians’ lives that little bit easier. Traditionally, it’s fair to say that healthcare organizations (covered entities) have been a little slow on the uptake of web forms and digital services, partly due to the complexities of HIPAA compliance and the boundaries web designers have to work to on healthcare organization projects. When it comes to HIPAA compliant website builders, it’s even more critical to find the best provider.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent worldwide lockdowns fast-tracked healthcare providers’ online presence; the industry finally woke up to the urgent demand of getting core healthcare and human services back online. Significant improvements in patient triaging were seen across the country, and the digitalization of healthcare and human services continues rapidly today.
This is where the HIPAA compliant website providers come into play; these providers enable the creation of website platforms that adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards. HIPAA sets guidelines for safeguarding sensitive health data and controls to prevent data breaches. A HIPAA compliant website design ensures that the website, its HIPAA compliant web hosting, and its functionality meet these stringent security and privacy requirements.
This article will discuss the key features like secure user authentication, data transmission, access controls, encryption, and other security measures when storing PHI and maintaining compliance with HIPAA guidelines. For healthcare professionals, organizations, and business associates dealing with individually identifiable medical information and patient records, using a Secure Website Development Platform for HIPAA Compliance is crucial to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of collecting electronic protected health information online.
Selecting a HIPAA Compliant Website Creation Tool
In recent years, numerous automated website builder applications have become available online. Many of these Website builders now offer HIPAA compliant services to get your healthcare provider website up and running quickly. However, there is still a large number of requirements that you must keep at the forefront of the design process. Most importantly, you must choose a website builder that guarantees HIPAA compliance out of the box.
Selecting a HIPAA-compliant website tool involves carefully considering the various factors required to meet the stringent requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We have drawn a HIPAA compliant website checklist with the top priorities you need to consider when selecting a compliance-focused website building solution:
Security Measures:
Encryption: To protect PHI, ensure the HIPAA compliant platform uses robust encryption protocols (SSL/TLS) to secure data at rest and during transmission. A minimum standard of AES256 is required.
Access Controls: Verify that you can implement robust access controls, restricting access to authorized personnel only. Clearly defined Account Authentication and password rotation policies are necessary.
Secure Hosting: Choose a platform with secure and HIPAA-compliant web hosting services, ensuring a secure environment for storing and managing sensitive personal health information for your website.
Data Storage and Handling:
Data Retention Policies: Check if the web server or website builder can manage data retention according to HIPAA requirements, ensuring compliance with guidelines on how long medical records and individually identifiable health information should be stored.
Backup and Recovery: Reliable offsite backups and recovery mechanisms must be in place to prevent data loss.
Audit Trails:
Logging Capabilities: Select a platform with comprehensive logging and auditing features, allowing you to track user activities and system changes.
Audit Trail Access: Verify that the platform allows authorized users to access and review audit trails for compliance monitoring, addressing the need for transparency in handling electronic protected health information (ePHI).
User Authentication:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The site must enable MFA to enhance user authentication and access security.
Strong Password Policies: Ensure the platform enforces strong password policies to protect user accounts.
HIPAA Compliance Certification:
Verify if the website builder has obtained HIPAA compliance certifications or undergone third-party audits to validate their adherence to the HIPAA rules and standards. Look for HIPAA, HITECH, SOC 2, and SOC 3 accreditations.
Business Associate Agreements (BAAs):
Confirm that the healthcare provider is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) outlining their commitment to ensuring HIPAA compliance and establishing a partnership with healthcare organizations.
Training and Support:
Check if the provider offers training and support to users, helping them understand and implement HIPAA compliant practices during your website’s design and implementation stages.
Should a HIPAA compliant website builder be certified?
A certified website development platform adhering to HIPAA Guidelines holds substantial merit in the healthcare industry. It signifies that the platform adheres to the stringent guidelines set forth by HIPAA. With a certified HIPAA compliant hosting provider, you expect to receive a proven and reliable service that simplifies your HIPAA compliant web hosting journey.
Certification can help protect sensitive patient data; the provider must be aligned with all HIPAA regulations, including secure sockets layer (SSL) certificates, data storage practices, and data breach notification rules.
The certification bolsters the credibility of the website builder and web hosting providers and instills confidence in healthcare providers, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding patient information by HIPAA compliance rules.
Should a HIPAA compliant website offer a BAA?
A BAA is not just a formality; it is a critical component in the intricate web of HIPAA compliance regulations, serving as a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the website builder for being one of the HIPPA business associates.
Alarm bells should be ringing if there is no offer of a signed BAA because the agreement delineates the roles and responsibilities concerning the handling of protected health information, creating a binding commitment to safeguard patient data.
It’s not merely a checkbox in compliance; it reflects a proactive stance toward adherence to HIPAA compliance rules and regulations. Healthcare providers, in turn, benefit from the clarity and legal framework provided by a BAA, establishing a foundation of trust as they leverage the services of the website provider to create and maintain their HIPAA compliant websites.
Is There HIPAA Compliant Website Building Software or a CMS Available?
The healthcare sector’s demand for HIPAA compliant website software or Content Management Systems (CMSes) hosting providers is growing. Such tools are designed to facilitate the creation and management of healthcare websites. WordPress is popular in healthcare because it’s simple to use and update, but it can also be HIPAA compliant when hosted in a HIPAA compliant hosting environment.
There are sites available, often called no-code/low-code, essentially point-and-click website creation toolsets. You can run well with a good-looking and functional website in minutes. In the background, you don’t need to worry about all the administrative safeguards and technical and physical safeguards of HIPAA; the provider you choose is responsible for that side of the compliance. So choose wisely, and make sure you do your research.
HIPAA Compliant Website Dos and Don’ts
Creating and maintaining a HIPAA compliant website requires careful consideration of dos and don’ts to ensure the utmost security and adherence to regulations. Below is a brief HIPAA compliant website checklist of Dos and Don’ts.
Dos:
Implement SSL Certificates:
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates are necessary. Encrypting data transmission between the user’s browser and your website is fundamental for protecting sensitive patient information.
HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAAs):
Ensure the covered entity and business associates sign a BAA when engaging with third-party service providers. This legal agreement establishes their commitment to HIPAA compliance and safeguarding protected health information (PHI).
Follow HIPAA Regulations:
Adhere to all relevant HIPAA regulations, including the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and HIPAA Breach Notification Rule (HIPAA Enforcement Rule). Stay informed about updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
Train Staff:
Educate your team on HIPAA regulations and maintaining compliance. Staff awareness is a crucial line of defense against accidental breaches.
Regular Audits and Assessments:
Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in your website’s security infrastructure.
Don’ts:
Avoid Non-Compliant Hosting:
Choose a hosting provider that is HIPAA compliant. Hosting patient data on non-HIPAA compliant servers could lead to severe breaches.
Refrain from Non-Secure Forms:
Ensure that any web forms collecting patient information are secure and encrypted. Non-secure forms pose a significant risk to the confidentiality of data.
No Neglect of Mobile Security:
Overlooking the security of mobile devices accessing your website can be a pitfall. Implement measures to secure data on mobile platforms to prevent unauthorized access.
Don’t Ignore Updates:
Regularly update your website’s software, plugins, and security features. Ignoring updates can leave vulnerabilities unaddressed, making your site susceptible to breaches.
Avoid Storage of Unnecessary Information:
Only collect and store the minimum necessary information required for your healthcare services. Avoid retaining extraneous data to reduce the potential impact of a breach.
Atlantic.Net HIPAA Compliant Hosting
Ready to launch your HIPAA compliant website with confidence? Look no further than Atlantic.Net for top-tier hosting services tailored to healthcare providers like you. Our hosting solutions are meticulously crafted to meet the stringent Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, ensuring the highest level of security and compliance when safeguarding protected health information.
Partnering with Atlantic.Net means more than just hosting – it’s a commitment to safeguarding your patient’s sensitive health information and maintaining the integrity of your healthcare services online. Benefit from our secure hosting environment, robust encryption protocols, and dedicated support to navigate the complexities of HIPAA compliance effortlessly.
Reach out to Atlantic.Net today and embark on a journey toward a HIPAA compliant web solution that prioritizes security without compromising performance. Elevate your online presence with a hosting partner you can trust. Contact us now to discuss your unique hosting needs and take the first step toward a digitally secure healthcare experience.
This article has been contributed by Atlantic.Net.