2 min read

What is a Business Associate?

By Rose Doherty on 1/4/16 1:55 PM

HIPAA-Compliance

The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows covered entities and health plans to disclose protected health information (PHI) to business associates, but only if the business associate signs a Business Associate Agreement in which it assures that it will appropriately safeguard the PHI it receives or creates on behalf of the covered entity.  So, which of your vendors need to sign a B.A. Agreement?  Here is a helpful list of vendors that need to sign your Business Associates Agreement.  You may be surprised!

How to determine if a vendor needs to sign a Business Associates Agreement

As a Rule, any vendor that performs an activity or service that involves the use or disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) qualifies as a Business Associate.  

Business Associate Services Include:

  1. Legal
  2. Actuarial
  3. Accounting
  4. Consulting
  5. Data Aggregation
  6. Management
  7. Administrative
  8. Accreditation
  9. Financial

Many practice managers are surprised to learn that their medical transcriptionist, IT Support company, CPA and consultant all need to sign a Business Associates Agreement.  For Further information on business associates, read 45 CFR 160.103, or click here to visit the HHS Business Associates information page.

If you have concerns about HIPAA Compliance, or are looking for an IT Support company that specializes in HealthCare and understands HIPAA Compliance , call us at 877-843-5767.

 If you'd prefer to have one of our Senior IntelliSuite Engineers call you, click here to request a call.

Rose Doherty

Written by Rose Doherty