Is Google Workspace HIPAA Compliant?

Not all Google Workspace plans automatically ensure HIPAA compliance. While Google offers security and privacy features across its Workspace offerings, organizations handling Protected Health Information (PHI) typically need at least a paid edition (e.g., Business or Enterprise) to access advanced security configurations and sign the Google BAA (Business Associate Agreement).

Plans that generally support HIPAA compliance include:

• Business (Standard, Plus)

• Enterprise (Standard, Plus)

• Education (In certain cases, with additional requirements)

Even within these plans, you must configure privacy settings correctly. Merely subscribing to an eligible plan does not guarantee your environment is HIPAA compliant—you also need to follow how to make Google Workspace HIPAA compliant guidelines, including the proper handling of electronic PHI (ePHI).

Several core Google Workspace services can be used in a HIPAA-compliant manner—once you sign the Google BAA and configure them properly. These include:

• Gmail (often referred to as “Gmail HIPAA compliant” when properly configured)

• Google Drive (including Docs, Sheets, and Slides)

• Google Meet

• Google Chat (limited usage scenarios; ensure correct configuration)

• Google Calendar

Services not listed in the Google BAA may require additional scrutiny or might not be suitable for storing or transmitting ePHI. For instance, Google Voice may not be covered under the standard BAA, so it’s important to verify directly with Google’s documentation before using it for PHI-related communication.

• Sign the Google BAA: This is a legally binding document outlining Google’s responsibilities as a business associate. The BAA ensures that Google agrees to handle ePHI in a manner consistent with HIPAA requirements.

• Enable Security Features: Turn on security features such as 2-Step Verification, data loss prevention (DLP), and access controls to help safeguard ePHI.

• Configure Administrative Controls: Use the Google Admin console to set up restricted sharing, control external email forwarding, and limit third-party applications.

• Train Your Staff: Even with technical safeguards, user education remains crucial. Make sure employees understand how to maintain HIPAA compliance when using Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and other Google Workspace tools.

• Monitor and Audit: Regularly review audit logs and activity reports to detect unauthorized access or unusual activity. Proper monitoring ensures you can identify potential violations quickly.

Tip: If you’re specifically concerned about “how to make Gmail HIPAA compliant” or “how to make Google Workspace HIPAA compliant,” focus on the security settings in the Admin console, enforce encryption (such as using S/MIME), and ensure user awareness of best practices.

Is Google Workspace HIPAA compliant? In short, Google Workspace can be HIPAA compliant if you:

• Choose an eligible plan (Business or Enterprise editions, primarily).

• Sign the Google BAA.

• Enable and maintain the required security settings and privacy controls.

• Use the services only in HIPAA-approved ways.

Simply having a Google Workspace account is not enough—you must carefully configure and monitor the environment, train staff, and follow best practices for handling PHI. By meeting these requirements, many organizations successfully use Google Workspace as a HIPAA-compliant solution.