What must business associates sign under HIPAA?

Under HIPAA, business associates must sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). This agreement is a crucial component in ensuring that the business associate adheres to the privacy and security rules set forth by HIPAA regarding protected health information (PHI). The BAA outlines the responsibilities of the business associate in safeguarding PHI and specifies the permitted uses and disclosures of the information.

The BAA serves as a legal contract that ensures that both the covered entity (such as a healthcare provider) and the business associate are aware of their obligations under HIPAA. It establishes trust that sensitive patient information will be handled correctly and in compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby protecting patient privacy.

Other agreements, such as a confidentiality agreement or data protection agreement, might address secrecy or data handling but do not encompass the specific HIPAA mandates for business associates. A service level agreement typically pertains to performance metrics and service delivery expectations, rather than compliance with HIPAA specifically. Thus, the Business Associate Agreement is the only document that ensures compliance with HIPAA’s requirements concerning business associates and the handling of protected health information.