Company
Date Published
Author
Peter Kurkowski
Word count
579
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Navigating HIPAA compliance in the healthcare industry is challenging, particularly when selecting analytics tools like Google Analytics 4 (GA4), which does not align with HIPAA regulations. Google clearly advises against using GA4 on platforms displaying Protected Health Information (PHI), as it collects user data like IP addresses that could inadvertently expose PHI, and Google refuses to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), leaving users liable for any data breaches. To mitigate risks, healthcare providers can implement strategies such as masking URLs and IP addresses, though these measures may lead to data loss. Alternatively, providers can opt for HIPAA-compliant analytics tools like Heap, which not only signs BAAs but also offers real-time data analytics without requiring predefined events, providing a more compliant and user-friendly solution. Ensuring HIPAA compliance is both a legal obligation and a trust-building practice with patients, making informed decisions about analytics tools essential.