In the United States, healthcare websites that collect, transmit, or store protected health information (PHI) are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for the privacy and security of health information, ensuring that patients’ medical data is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. With the rise of digital health tools and online patient interactions, understanding HIPAA compliance for healthcare websites is critical for providers, developers, and administrators.
Protected health information includes any individually identifiable health data, such as names, addresses, birth dates, medical histories, insurance information, and any data linked to medical care or payment. On a healthcare website, PHI may be collected through contact forms, appointment scheduling tools, patient portals, chatbots, or telehealth platforms. Any website that transmits this information is considered subject to HIPAA if it is operated by or on behalf of a covered entity 1,2.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule sets standards for how PHI can be collected, used, and shared. Healthcare websites must ensure that any PHI collected online is done with patient consent and for permissible purposes such as treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. Websites must also provide a clear Notice of Privacy Practices, typically linked in the footer, that informs users how their data will be used and what their rights are regarding their health information 1,3,4.
The HIPAA Security Rule requires that websites implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic PHI (ePHI). For websites, this means using secure HTTPS protocols with SSL/TLS encryption, implementing strong password protections, limiting access to authorized users, and ensuring that data is securely stored and transmitted. Regular risk assessments, audit logs, and incident response plans must also be in place to detect and respond to potential breaches 5,6.
Many healthcare websites rely on third-party service providers for hosting, analytics, email, or chat services. If these providers have access to PHI, they are considered “business associates” under HIPAA. Covered entities must enter into a business associate agreement with these vendors, outlining the responsibilities of each party regarding PHI protection. Without a business associate agreement, using such services may violate HIPAA regulations, even if the vendor is widely used and trusted in other industries 7,8.
Websites may run afoul of HIPAA by using non-compliant tools such as standard email contact forms, third-party analytics that collect IP addresses without consent, or live chat widgets that store messages on insecure servers; embedding non-HIPAA-compliant applications, failing to obtain user consent, or not encrypting PHI can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
HIPAA compliance for healthcare websites remains a legal requirement that protects patient privacy and the integrity of the healthcare system. Covered entities and their partners must ensure that any digital platform collecting or managing PHI follows strict privacy and security standards. With thoughtful implementation and ongoing oversight, healthcare websites can provide convenient, secure services while fully respecting patients’ legal and ethical rights.
References
1. Isola, S. & Al Khalili, Y. Protected Health Information. in StatPearls (StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), 2025).
2. Rights (OCR), O. for C. Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html (2008).
3. Rights (OCR), O. for C. Model Notices of Privacy Practices. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/model-notices-privacy-practices/index.html (2013).
4. Rights (OCR), O. for C. Notice of Privacy Practices. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/notice-privacy-practices/index.html (2008).
5. Alder, S. What is ePHI? The HIPAA Journal https://www.hipaajournal.com/ephi/ (2024).
6. What is electronic protected health information (ePHI)? | Definition from TechTarget. Health IT and EHR https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/definition/electronic-protected-health-information-ePHI.
7. Karn, J. Understanding Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) for HIPAA Compliance. Total HIPAA Compliance https://www.totalhipaa.com/business-associate-agreement-101-baa-for-hipaa-compliance/ (2021).
8. Rights (OCR), O. for C. Business Associate Contracts. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/covered-entities/sample-business-associate-agreement-provisions/index.html (2008).
