Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and access files from any device.

With Google Drive, users can easily collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time. It integrates with other Google services like Gmail and Google Docs, providing a seamless and efficient way to manage and share information.

Is Google Drive HIPAA compliant? Yes, based on our research, Google Drive can be HIPAA compliant.

 

What changed this year?

Google's HIPAA compliance documentation for Workspace and Cloud Identity was last updated on June 9, 2026. Google clarified that its "Help me write," contextual smart replies, and side-panel Gemini features are covered as part of Google Workspace with Gemini under HIPAA Included Functionality, while third-party applications and add-ons remain excluded.

 

Will Google Drive sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?

Yes, Google Drive will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed and accepted here. Google Drive is HIPAA compliant if it is used as part of a paid Google Workspace plan with the capabilities to support HIPAA compliance, or if it is combined with other security measures to fill any gaps. The free version of Google Drive cannot be used to store or share PHI, and Google only accepts BAAs from administrators of organizations with Workspace or Cloud Identity accounts.

 

What does the Google Drive BAA cover?

The Google BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Their HIPAA Implementation Guide states that all users can access covered Core Services for use with PHI under the BAA, as long as the healthcare organization configures those services to be HIPAA compliant. Google Drive, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, is included in this list.

 

What does the Google Drive BAA exclude?

Third-party applications, including add-ons, are not included in the Included Functionality covered by the BAA. If a healthcare organization is going to use Google Drive to create or store patients' health information, it must either upgrade to a Workspace plan with the necessary security capabilities or implement additional measures to fill any gaps.

Signing the BAA alone does not configure the required security settings. Administrators must separately restrict external sharing, enforce two-factor authentication, disable risky third-party app access, and set up audit logging. Google provides a HIPAA Implementation Guide to help with this configuration process, but notes that the guide does not by itself guarantee HIPAA compliance.

Healthcare organizations should also ensure PHI is only included within the document or file content itself, not in file names, since file names may be visible in contexts outside of the access controls applied to the file's contents.

 

Conclusion

Google Drive signs a BAA and is therefore HIPAA compliant.

Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

FAQs

What is a business associate agreement?

A business associate agreement (BAA) is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its business associates. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of personal health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA regulations.

 

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).

HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in fines and penalties for covered entities.

 

Who does HIPAA apply to?

HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates of these covered entities. These are entities that perform certain functions or activities on behalf of the covered entity.