The Cloud Is Here: Protecting Health Information In The New Age

Although the cost and flexibility of the cloud have long been appealing to hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, and other covered entities, many healthcare providers have been hesitant to move their data because of security concerns. However, the winds may have changed on September 23, 2013, when business associates became directly liable and responsible for complying with the HIPAA Security Rule. This regulatory change has put cloud providers on notice that they need to address healthcare industry security concerns, and has the potential to empower healthcare providers to finally take advantage of the benefits that the cloud has to offer. But before signing on to the movement, healthcare providers must weigh the pros and cons, all the while asking hard questions of themselves and their prospective new business associates. By Paul Luehr, Managing Director, and Dave Dalva, Vice President, Stroz Friedberg