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Can I use Google Docs for HIPAA compliance?

Can I use Google Docs for HIPAA compliance?

We often get asked by customers and prospects about Google Docs and their ability to use it in a HIPAA compliant manner. We know the HIPAA market is vast so we can empathize with just how many people need to use cloud-based storage services in this sector.

SEE ALSO: Google & HIPAA Compliance: The Ultimate Guide

 

In previous posts, we’ve covered the following cloud solutions and their capabilities for HIPAA compliance:

 

 

The purpose of this post is to determine if Google Docs offers HIPAA compliance or not.

SEE ALSO: HIPAA Breaches and Cloud Providers

 

About Google Docs

Google Docs is a web-based word processor offered by Google within its Google Drive service. It was first released in 2007.

 

Google Docs and the Business Associate Agreement

 

We’ve previously talked about how a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a written contract between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate. It is required by law for HIPAA compliance. We checked Google's site and found a Google Workspace Administrator Help article called HIPAA Compliance with Google Workspace. In the article, Google points out: "Google offers a BAA covering Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive (including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms)..."

 

Does Google Docs Offer HIPAA Compliant Service?

 

The Business Associate Agreement is a key component to HIPAA compliance between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate. Since Google offers one that covers Google Docs, we conclude that Google Docs is a HIPAA compliant service. It's important to note however, you must sign a BAA with Google to be HIPAA compliant.

[alert-note]

G Suite email isn't HIPAA compliant out of the box.

Download the Quick Guide to HIPAA Compliant Email for free.

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Conclusion: Google Docs is HIPAA Compliant. Make sure you sign a BAA with Google.

SEE ALSO: Is Google Drive HIPAA Compliant?

 

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