VSee is a telehealth solution with an impressive background, including being the service used by astronauts on the International Space Station. As notable as that accomplishment is, we must ask the question, is VSee HIPAA compliant?
What Makes a Software Tool HIPAA Compliant?
When it comes to software, there are specific indications of the tool’s HIPAA compliance. Software HIPAA compliance really boils down to two things. Does the tool have safeguards to keep patient data private and secure? Does the software provider sign business associate agreements?
When the answer to both of these questions is “yes,” the tool is likely HIPAA compliant. If the answer to either is “no,” the tool is not HIPAA compliant.
What Are HIPAA Safeguards?
HIPAA safeguards are measures that a healthcare organization puts into place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI). HIPAA categorizes safeguards into three groups – administrative, physical, and technical.
Administrative safeguards are written policies and procedures that dictate the proper uses and disclosures of PHI.
Physical safeguards are measures that protect an organization’s physical location, such as locks and alarm systems.
Technical safeguards are measures that protect electronic PHI (ePHI).
While administrative and physical safeguards are essential, technical safeguards are generally the determining factor of a software provider’s HIPAA compliance. Technical safeguards that you should keep an eye out for include encryption, user authentication, access controls, and audit controls.
Why is a Business Associate Agreement Important?
Business associate agreements are a crucial determinant of HIPAA compliance. Even the most secure software platform is NOT HIPAA compliant if they will not sign a business associate agreement (BAA).
Why?
A BAA is a legal agreement that requires each signing party to be HIPAA compliant, and be responsible for maintaining compliance. As such, a BAA limits the liability for both signing parties in the event of a breach or OCR audit, as only the negligent party would be held culpable.
Is VSee HIPAA Compliant?
All VSee solutions meet and exceed the HIPAA technical security requirements. As far as signing business associate agreements, the company proudly states the following on its website.
“VSee offers the HIPAA-required Business Associate Agreement where VSee agrees to be responsible for keeping all patient information secure and to immediately report any breach of personal health information.”
So, is VSee HIPAA compliant? Based on technical standards and their willingness to sign a BAA, VSee appears to be fully HIPAA compliant.
