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However, organizations must put texting safeguards in place to ensure privacy in order to be compliant with HIPAA.

It’s important to keep in mind that HIPAA doesn’t disallow sending PHI by text. This is simply because it’s safer to discourage activity around HIPAA and text messages, rather than risk having a serious HIPAA breach. When it comes to technology, the specific protocols are left up to the discretion of each entity, as each environment is unique and requires special tactics.Īlthough there are some high-tech solutions that can support HIPAA-compliant texting, some covered entities choose to avoid it altogether. Hospitals, physicians, and other covered entities must enact safeguards to protect the confidentiality of each patient’s PHI.

There are many challenges that healthcare providers face when it comes to ensuring HIPAA compliance. Several types of healthcare providers receive guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on HIPAA compliance, including hospitals, home health agencies, clinical labs, physicians, and other types of providers. The government encourages healthcare organizations to set up voluntary HIPAA and compliance plans. It intends to prevent the disclosure of a patient’s protected data without their consent.

HIPAA is a federal law that requires healthcare institutions to safeguard a patient’s protected health information (PHI). Since so many people use text messaging, healthcare organizations may ask, “Is texting HIPAA compliant? And if so, how can I ensure I’m doing it right?”Īlthough the government has never written HIPAA laws specifically for texting or emailing PHI (Protected Health Information), a covered entity must safeguard PHI against reasonably foreseen threats under the HIPAA Security Rule.