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Can I use Google Hangouts Meet and be HIPAA compliant? (2024 Update)

Written by Farah Amod | April 07, 2020

Google Hangouts Meet, now rebranded as Google Meet, is a video conferencing platform that provides tools for virtual meetings and real-time collaboration.

With Google Meet, users can host secure video calls, share screens, and connect with participants from anywhere, with seamless integration into Google Workspace. This helps organizations enhance remote communication, improve team collaboration, and conduct virtual meetings efficiently.

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

 

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

Yes, Google Meet will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.

 

What does the Google Meet BAA cover?

The Google BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), stating, “All users can access this subset of Core Services for use with PHI under the BAA as long as the health care organization configures those services to be HIPAA compliant: Gmail, Calendar, Drive (including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms), Gemini for Google Workspace, Google Chat, Google Meet, Keep, Google Cloud Search, Google Voice, Sites, Google Groups, Jamboard, Cloud Identity Management, Tasks, and Vault “

 

Conclusion

Google Meet 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 significant 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.