We often get asked by customers and prospects about Google Sheets and their ability to use it in a HIPAA compliant manner.
We know the HIPAA market is vast so we can empathize with just how many people need to use cloud-based storage services in this sector.
In previous posts, we’ve covered the following cloud solutions and their capabilities for HIPAA compliance:
- Amazon CloudFront
- Apple iCloud
- Box
- Citrix ShareFile
- Dropbox
- FaceTime
- Google Calendar
- Google Docs
- Google Drive
- Google Forms
- Google Hangouts
- GoToMeeting
- Intercom
- Office 365
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Slack
- Yammer
- Zoho
- Zoom
The purpose of this post is to determine if Google Sheets offers HIPAA compliance or not.
SEE ALSO: HIPAA Breaches and Cloud Providers
About Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet offered by Google within its Google Drive service. It was first released in 2007.
Google Sheets and the Business Associate Agreement
We’ve previously talked about how a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a written contract between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate. It is required by law for HIPAA compliance.
We checked Google’s site and found a G Suite Administrator Help article called HIPAA Compliance with G Suite.
In the article, Google points out:
“Google offers a BAA covering Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive (including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms)…”
Does Google Sheets Offer HIPAA Compliant Service?
The Business Associate Agreement is a key component to HIPAA compliance between a Covered Entity and a Business Associate. Since Google offers one that covers Google Sheets, we conclude that Google Sheets is a HIPAA compliant service.
It’s important to note however, you must sign a BAA with Google to be HIPAA compliant.
Conclusion: Google Sheets is HIPAA Compliant. Make sure you sign a BAA with Google.
SEE ALSO: Is Google Drive HIPAA Compliant?
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