Demystifying the HIPAA Conduit Exception Rule

022_-_Demystifying-HIPAA-Exceptions_FS

The HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on January 25, 2013. Since then, however, some rules were further clarified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On their website, the HHS provides guidance on the HIPAA Conduit Exception Rule, “The conduit exception applies where the only services provided to a covered entity or business associate customer are for transmission of ePHI (electronic Patient Health Information) that do not involve any storage of the information other than on a temporary basis incident to the transmission service.” This exception is straightforward and logical: If protected ePHI is transmitted through a service, and that service does not store the information, then such a service can be classified as a conduit and is therefore an exception to the rule of having a Business Associate Agreement, or BAA, signed.

A clear example of non-electronic conduits that fall under this exception would be the postal service and other shipping entities. While they may hold an envelope containing sensitive patient information or X-rays, their role in the process is to get the envelope from origin to destination. A digital example is an internet service provider (ISP). HHS further clarifies that Cloud Services Providers (CSP) do not fall under the exception, “even if the CSP cannot view the ePHI because it is encrypted and the CSP does not have the decryption key.” This distinction is important because it delineates a vendor from a conduit: therefore any cloud provider or a messaging provider (instant messages, emails, digital faxing, etc.) where the role is not “transient in nature” and has “persistent access to the ePHI” must have a Business Associates Agreement (BAA) signed and in place prior to the first transmission of ePHI.

HHS “does not endorse, certify, or recommend specific technology or products” and therefore they do not recommend a specific HIPAA-compliant cloud services provider. Here’s a tip: a good CSP must be able and willing to sign BAA agreements with their customers, certifying that they meet HHS’ definition of “a CSP that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI on behalf of a covered entity or another business associate.” The HIPAA landscape requires careful thought to ensure that patient information is not breached and that protocols are followed per HHS’ guidelines.

The team at BizzSecure can help your business navigate the complexities with achieving HIPAA compliance and our EAID solution can evaluate the level of risk your organization faces and help remediate any issues. Stay tuned for more.

21 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

    October 17, 2024 at 4:56 pm
    Reply
  2. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

    January 21, 2025 at 9:51 pm
    Reply
  3. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

    February 1, 2025 at 3:19 am
    Reply
  4. slot casino

    Here, you can find lots of casino slots from famous studios.
    Visitors can try out classic slots as well as feature-packed games with vivid animation and interactive gameplay.
    If you’re just starting out or a seasoned gamer, there’s something for everyone.
    casino games
    The games are instantly accessible anytime and compatible with desktop computers and tablets alike.
    You don’t need to install anything, so you can jump into the action right away.
    Site navigation is user-friendly, making it convenient to find your favorite slot.
    Register now, and enjoy the world of online slots!

    April 21, 2025 at 1:02 pm
    Reply
  5. clock radio alarm clock

    Our platform features disc player alarm devices crafted by top providers.
    You can find sleek CD units with digital radio and dual wake options.
    Many models come with external audio inputs, USB charging, and battery backup.
    Our range spans budget-friendly options to premium refurbished units.
    cd playing clock radio
    All devices provide snooze functions, rest timers, and LED screens.
    Shop the collection using Amazon and no extra cost.
    Discover your ideal music and alarm combination for home daily routines.

    April 25, 2025 at 7:09 am
    Reply
  6. money casino

    This website, you can discover a great variety of slot machines from leading developers.
    Players can experience classic slots as well as feature-packed games with high-quality visuals and bonus rounds.
    If you’re just starting out or an experienced player, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
    casino
    The games are ready to play anytime and designed for desktop computers and tablets alike.
    No download is required, so you can jump into the action right away.
    Site navigation is easy to use, making it simple to explore new games.
    Join the fun, and dive into the world of online slots!

    April 25, 2025 at 9:28 pm
    Reply
  7. расчет каско

    Приобретение медицинской страховки во время путешествия — это разумное решение для спокойствия путешественника.
    Документ покрывает неотложную помощь в случае обострения болезни за границей.
    Также, страховка может предусматривать оплату на репатриацию.
    страховка автомобиля
    Некоторые государства предусматривают предоставление документа для посещения.
    Без наличия документа госпитализация могут обойтись дорого.
    Приобретение документа заблаговременно

    April 26, 2025 at 2:34 pm
    Reply
  8. rent a hitman

    This website makes it possible to hire professionals for short-term risky jobs.
    Visitors are able to securely arrange services for specialized operations.
    Each professional are trained in executing complex jobs.
    hitman-assassin-killer.com
    Our platform provides private arrangements between users and specialists.
    Whether you need fast support, this platform is here for you.
    List your task and get matched with the right person today!

    April 26, 2025 at 8:44 pm
    Reply
  9. sonsofanarchy-italia.com

    Questo sito consente l’ingaggio di professionisti per attività a rischio.
    Gli utenti possono trovare esperti affidabili per operazioni isolate.
    Tutti i lavoratori sono selezionati con attenzione.
    assumi un sicario
    Sul sito è possibile visualizzare profili prima di assumere.
    La professionalità continua a essere un nostro valore fondamentale.
    Esplorate le offerte oggi stesso per ottenere aiuto specializzato!

    April 26, 2025 at 10:44 pm
    Reply
  10. 1xbet-official.live

    На этом сайте вы можете перейти на свежую ссылку 1хбет без блокировок.
    Мы регулярно обновляем доступы, чтобы предоставить стабильную работу к порталу.
    Используя зеркало, вы сможете делать ставки без задержек.
    1хбет зеркало
    Эта страница позволит вам без труда открыть рабочее зеркало 1xBet.
    Нам важно, чтобы все клиенты смог работать без перебоев.
    Следите за актуальной информацией, чтобы быть на связи с 1хбет!

    April 27, 2025 at 7:54 am
    Reply
  11. bottega-official.ru

    Данный ресурс — настоящий интернет-бутик Боттега Венета с отгрузкой по территории России.
    Через наш портал вы можете заказать эксклюзивные вещи Боттега Венета официально.
    Каждый заказ подтверждаются оригинальными документами от марки.
    bottega-official.ru
    Перевозка осуществляется без задержек в любой регион России.
    Бутик онлайн предлагает безопасные способы оплаты и гарантию возврата средств.
    Выбирайте официальном сайте Bottega Veneta, чтобы быть уверенным в качестве!

    April 27, 2025 at 10:33 am
    Reply
  12. chinese-hitman-assassin.com

    在此页面,您可以聘请专门从事一次性的危险任务的专家。
    我们提供大量经验丰富的任务执行者供您选择。
    无论需要何种挑战,您都可以快速找到专业的助手。
    为了钱而下令谋杀
    所有执行者均经过筛选,保障您的机密信息。
    平台注重专业性,让您的危险事项更加顺利。
    如果您需要服务详情,请与我们取得联系!

    April 27, 2025 at 2:45 pm
    Reply
  13. JosephJuing

    Here, you can find top CS:GO gaming sites.
    We list a wide range of betting platforms centered around the CS:GO community.
    Each site is tested for quality to guarantee safety.
    bet on cs go
    Whether you’re an experienced gamer, you’ll easily choose a platform that meets your expectations.
    Our goal is to assist you to find only the best CS:GO gaming options.
    Check out our list today and elevate your CS:GO playing experience!

    April 27, 2025 at 10:17 pm
    Reply
  14. 雇佣一名杀手

    在此页面,您可以找到专门从事单次的危险任务的专家。
    我们提供大量训练有素的行动专家供您选择。
    无论需要何种复杂情况,您都可以安全找到胜任的人选。
    如何在网上下令谋杀
    所有合作人员均经过审核,维护您的利益。
    平台注重匿名性,让您的特殊需求更加高效。
    如果您需要更多信息,请与我们取得联系!

    May 2, 2025 at 12:26 pm
    Reply
  15. hire an assassin

    Looking to connect with experienced contractors willing for temporary hazardous jobs.
    Require a specialist to complete a hazardous assignment? Find trusted individuals here to manage critical risky work.
    github.com/gallars/hireahitman
    Our platform matches employers with licensed workers willing to take on unsafe temporary roles.
    Hire background-checked contractors for perilous duties securely. Ideal when you need last-minute assignments demanding specialized expertise.

    May 3, 2025 at 10:09 am
    Reply
  16. 色情网站

    您好,这是一个成人网站。
    进入前请确认您已年满18岁,并同意遵守当地法律法规。
    本网站包含限制级信息,请谨慎浏览。 色情网站
    若不符合年龄要求,请立即关闭窗口。
    我们致力于提供优质可靠的娱乐内容。

    May 7, 2025 at 12:18 pm
    Reply
  17. Stevenvepsy

    This resource you can come across special promotional codes for the well-known gambling site.
    The assortment of rewarding options is regularly updated to confirm that you always have reach to the latest arrangements.
    Through these promotional deals, you can reduce expenses on your stakes and boost your opportunities of victory.
    All promo codes are accurately validated for legitimacy and efficiency before being shared.
    https://sermonquotes.com/news/?089sovety_po_prohoghdeniyu_mafia_wars_osnovnye_zadaniya_060.html
    What’s more, we give comprehensive guidelines on how to activate each rewarding chance to amplify your bonuses.
    Bear in mind that some bargains may have certain requirements or time limitations, so it’s fundamental to inspect diligently all the particulars before applying them.

    May 9, 2025 at 5:01 am
    Reply
  18. JamesBit

    Здесь вы можете найти актуальные промокоды от Мелбет.
    Используйте их при регистрации на платформе и получите полный бонус на первый депозит.
    Также, можно найти промокоды для текущих акций и постоянных игроков.
    melbet промокод при регистрации
    Обновляйте информацию на странице бонусов, не пропустив особые условия для Мелбет.
    Любой код проверяется на валидность, что гарантирует надежность в процессе применения.

    May 12, 2025 at 5:28 pm
    Reply
  19. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

    May 25, 2025 at 9:09 am
    Reply

Leave a Reply