SimplePractice is a practice management and electronic health record (EHR) system tailored for mental health providers, that allows client scheduling, secure messaging, telehealth, documentation, and insurance billing.
Is SimplePractice HIPAA compliant? Yes, SimplePractice can be HIPAA compliant.
Will SimplePractice sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, SimplePractice will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.
What does the SimplePractice BAA cover?
The SimplePractice BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). According to the agreement, SimplePractice can use or disclose PHI to perform functions, activities, or services on behalf of the covered entity, ensuring compliance with the Privacy Rule and applicable state laws. Specifically, the BAA states:
"Except as otherwise limited in this BAA or the Agreement, Business Associate may do any or all of the following: Use or disclose PHI to perform functions, activities, or services for, or on behalf of Covered Entity, to the extent permitted in the Agreement, provided that such use or disclosure would not violate the Privacy Rule or any applicable state law if done by Covered Entity."
Their BAA covers:
- Protection of PHI
- Notifications of security incidents
- Access by HHS requests
- Individual Right of Access requests
- Individual accounting requests
- Return or destruction of PHI upon termination
What does the SimplePractice BAA exclude?
SimplePractice’s BAA does not include functionalities for certain medical doctor needs like e-prescribing and lab integrations since it is designed primarily for mental health professionals and non-prescribing providers.
Conclusion
SimplePractice signs a BAA and is therefore HIPAA compliant but its functionality is best suited for mental health professionals and non-prescribing providers rather than medical doctors.
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.
