Will small to mid-sized healthcare companies embrace the opportunity of cloud security integration offered by the new Google Apps Business Associate Agreement? In a recent Google Apps update connected to the HIPAA Omnibus, Google announced the introduction of the new Google Apps Business Associate Agreement for healthcare companies looking to use Google Apps. The Google Apps Business Associate Agreement provides healthcare company support through the integration of Google Apps and help with HIPAA compliance issues. The focus of the agreement is to ensure network safety and security.

Google Apps Business Associate Agreement HIPAA Compliance

Since Zephyr Networks fully supports the use of Google Apps for our client companies, it is clear that this positive step by Google will allow healthcare companies to make a cleaner transition to the security and support of cloud-based applications. The goal of the Business Associate Agreement is to remove barriers for healthcare companies to adopt Google Apps and help with HIPAA compliance challenges.

What Zephyr Networks appreciates about this forward step is the focus on helping  small to mid-sized companies that use fewer Google App services. Despite their limited use, such usage truly can improve their productivity and ensure HIPAA compliance. The Google Apps Business Associate Agreement only applies to the following Google App services: Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Apps Vault.

From extensive experience with past healthcare clients, Zephyr Networks knows the usage of such Google Apps can go a long way toward helping a business adapt to the new HIPAA requirements. Google Apps offer cloud flexibility and remote access while being safe and secure. It is a perfect combination for small to mid-sized healthcare companies faced with the challenges presented by compliance to the new HIPAA Omnibus. 

Google Apps Business Associate Agreement Questions

To sign up for the Google Apps Business Associate Agreement, a health care company representative must answer three online questions about their business:

1. Are you a covered entity (or business associate of a covered entity) under HIPAA?
2. Will you be using Google Apps in connection with protected health information?
3. Are you authorized to request and agree to a business associate agreement with Google for your Google Apps domain?

Zephyr Networks Believes In Google Apps

If the response to these questions are in the positive, the company representative will be taken to the online business associate agreement. Without question, this update is targeted specifically at small to mid-sized businesses. Most larger healthcare companies already will have adopted the usage of Google Apps and other security-oriented cloud strategies to deal with the HIPAA Omnibus. If you need help with Google Apps and the decision to sign up for the Google Apps Business Associate Agreement, please call Zephyr Networks toll free at (800) 884-7559 or fill out our handy contact form.