Protected Health Information (PHI) is protected in transit by text messaging applications that adhere to HIPAA regulations. Nowadays, everyone communicates quickly and easily using text messaging, or “texting.”
The majority of users are unaware that texting is an unencrypted method of communication, despite the fact that it is a terrific tool for efficiency and convenience. Any time a text message is being transmitted, it can be intercepted.
In this article, we’ll examine a number of businesses that provide secure texting of PHI and HIPAA compliance text messaging.
Is Text Messaging HIPAA Compliant?
Many healthcare companies and professionals may be curious if text messaging is HIPAA compliant due to its simplicity of usage. Sadly, the answer is usually “no,” although there are workarounds available.
Even though there are some rare instances in which SMS text messaging can be HIPAA compliant, it is better for Covered Entities to forbid texting Protected Health Information (PHI) than to run the risk of incurring a fine for HIPAA violations.
Despite the fact that texting PHI is not expressly forbidden by HIPAA, HIPAA compliance requires that certain security measures be taken to protect PHI while it is in transit and at rest.
Additionally, restrictions on who has access to PHI and who is an authorised individual must be in place. Controls must also be in place regarding who has access to PHI and what authorised workers do with it once they do.
Keeping Text Messaging HIPAA Compliant
Using “secure texting,” which involves sending encrypted messages from a secure server that saves all sensitive data locally and prohibits the mobile phone network that is carrying the message from storing a copy of the message, it is possible to keep text messaging HIPAA compliant.
Unless they have been set to automatically expire or be recalled to protect the integrity of private health information, secure messages can be viewed at any time from any location with an Internet connection.
The mobile device owner can still access personal SMSs, emails, and social media messages on their Smartphone, cell phone, or tablet, but in order to make text messaging HIPAA compliant, sensitive information will be delivered and received over the secure virtual private network.
A secure texting administrator has the power to exclude a user from the network and delete any sensitive data they may have accessed if a threat to the security of personal health information is discovered, ensuring compliance with HIPAA.