Is OperaDDS HIPAA compliant?

OperaDDS is software that is self-proclaimed to be made by dentists for dentists. Based on an analysis of their terms and conditions and privacy policies, OperaDDS is HIPAA compliant. 

What is OperaDDS?

OperaDDS is a dental practice management software designed for dental clinics and practitioners aiming to streamline their operations and enhance patient care. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for appointment scheduling, patient record management, billing, and insurance processing. With integrated communication channels, OperaDDS facilitates efficient patient engagement through automated reminders and personalized communication. Additionally, its data analytics feature enables dental practices to monitor performance metrics, optimize appointment scheduling, and manage financial reporting. 

OperaDDS and business associate agreement

Given OperaDDS's functionalities, such as appointment scheduling, patient record management, billing, and insurance processing—all of which involve the handling of protected health information (PHI)—it's likely that it would be categorized as a business associate when used within healthcare settings. We reviewed their official documentation to determine their commitment to HIPAA compliance.

Upon reviewing the Business Associate Agreement (BAA) section within their terms and conditions, they explicitly state their willingness to sign a BAA with healthcare entities. Specifically, their documentation mentions: “You and we hereby agree to the terms of the Business Associate Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference unless you and we have negotiated a separate Business Associate Agreement signed by you and us. In the case of the latter, the separate Business Associate Agreement executed by you and us shall supersede the terms of the Business Associate Agreement attached hereto and shall control with respect to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information we receive from you, or create, maintain, transmit, or receive on behalf of you. “

See also: What is a business associate agreement?

OperaDDS and data security

1. OperaDDS implements administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI (ePHI).
2. The software developed by OperaDDS may update automatically, ensuring the latest security features and protections are in place.
3. OperaDDS restricts the use and disclosure of PHI to those activities permitted or required by the agreement or as required by law.
4. The company ensures that any agents, including subcontractors, to whom they provide PHI or ePHI, agree to implement substantially the same safeguards and measures to protect the information.
5. OperaDDS commits to promptly reporting any successful security incidents or any use or disclosure of PHI in violation of the agreement.
6. In the event of maintaining a Designated Record Set on behalf of a client, OperaDDS agrees to make PHI available for access or amendment as required by law.

See also: What is data security?

Is OperaDDS HIPAA compliant?

OperaDDS emphasizes data protection through a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with HIPAA. Another notable factor is that they explicitly include mentions of their willingness to sign a BAA with customers which can be adjusted according to the customer's needs. For this reason, OperaDDS is HIPAA compliant. 

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

FAQs

Do dentists need to be HIPAA compliant?

Yes, dentists need to be HIPAA compliant.

Why does healthcare software need to be HIPAA compliant?

Healthcare software needs to be HIPAA compliant to ensure that patient data is protected during storage, processing, and transmission.

What is a business associate agreement?

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legally binding document that outlines the responsibilities and requirements of a business associate in handling, securing, and protecting PHI in compliance with HIPAA.