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Can I use Google Keep and be HIPAA compliant?

Can I use Google Keep and be HIPAA compliant?

We've been seeing more vendors, customers, and prospects asking about HIPAA compliant services. Today on Twitter for example, we were asked if Google Keep is HIPAA compliant or not.

SEE ALSO: Google & HIPAA Compliance: The Ultimate Guide

We know the HIPAA industry is vast, so we can empathize with just how many people need to use cloud services in this sector. Today we will determine if Google Keep offers HIPAA compliant service or not.

 

Google Keep

Google Keep is a is a note-taking service that provides tools for taking notes, including text, lists, images, and audio. Google Keep is available on iOS, Android, and the web. It was launched on in 2013.

 

What is a Business Associate?

A Business Associate is a person or company that performs certain functions or activities that involve the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) for a Covered Entity. In a nutshell, the role of a Business Associate is to help Covered Entities comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule Read full article: What does it mean to be a Business Associate?
 

Business Associate Agreement provisions

If a Business Associate provides services to a Covered Entity, then a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) must be in place. A BAA is a written contract between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate and is required by law for HIPAA compliance. At a minimum, a Business Associate Agreement contains 10 provisions.

Read full article: Business Associate Agreement Provisions

 

Google and the Business Associate Agreement

We checked Google for mention of their ability to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). We found a Google Workspace Administrator Help article called HIPAA Compliance with Google Workspace. In the article, Google points out: "Administrators must review and accept a BAA before using Google services with PHI. Google offers a BAA covering... Google Keep." It should be noted however, that users with a free @gmail.com address are not part of Google Workspace. In other words, from a HIPAA compliance perspective, it's important to note that Google Keep for Gmail is not HIPAA compliant whereas Google Keep for Google Workspace can be configured to be HIPAA compliant.

See Also: How to Make Gmail HIPAA Compliant

 

Does Google Keep offer HIPAA Compliant Service?

The Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a key component to HIPAA compliance between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate. Since Google Google Workspace offers one that covers Google Keep, we conclude that Google Keep for Google Workspace is a HIPAA compliant service. It’s important to note that you must sign a BAA with Google to be HIPAA compliant. It should be noted however, that users with a free @gmail.com address are not part of Google Workspace. In other words, from a HIPAA compliance perspective, it's important to note that Google Keep for Gmail is not HIPAA compliant whereas Google Keep for Google Workspace can be configured to be HIPAA compliant. Conclusion: Google Keep for Google Workspace can be configured for HIPAA compliance. Google Keep for Gmail is not.

 

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