Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legal contract between a healthcare organization (like a clinic or hospital) and a third-party company that handles protected health information (PHI). The BAA outlines how the third party must safeguard patient data, follow privacy laws, and report any breaches. It ensures both parties understand their responsibilities for protecting sensitive health information, helping the healthcare provider stay compliant with regulations such as HIPAA. Essentially, a BAA acts as a safeguard to keep patient information private and secure when shared with external companies.