How To Make A Secure HIPAA Compliant Website: 7 Tasks

HIPAA compliant website design is no longer optional—it’s a legal necessity for any organization handling protected health information (PHI). With the rise of online healthcare services, ensuring your website meets HIPAA compliance standards is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining patient trust, and avoiding costly penalties.

What Is a HIPAA Compliant Website?

A HIPAA compliant website adheres to the standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect PHI. This includes names, addresses, medical records, billing info, and any identifiers linked to health data.

Compliance requires both technical safeguards (like encryption and secure hosting) and administrative safeguards (such as staff training and access policies).

Why HIPAA Compliance Matters for Website Security

Any healthcare website that collects, transmits, or stores PHI must follow HIPAA standards. This includes:

• Patient portals
• Appointment scheduling systems
• Telehealth and virtual consultation tools
• Online payment and billing platforms

Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, up to $1.5 million annually per type of violation.

7 Critical Tasks to Build a HIPAA Compliant Website

1. Use HIPAA-Compliant Hosting

Your hosting provider must sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and provide secure data centers with physical and network safeguards. Examples include Atlantic.Net, AWS (with BAA), and HIPAA Vault.

2. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest

Use SSL/TLS certificates for secure HTTPS connections and AES-256 encryption to protect stored data. This prevents data leaks during transmission or unauthorized access.

3. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Limit access to PHI based on job function. Require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all logins to enhance security.

4. Maintain Audit Logs

Track all user activities involving PHI. Monitor failed login attempts, file access, and changes to records. Retain logs for at least six years, per HIPAA standards.

5. Train All Staff on HIPAA Policies

Everyone with access to PHI—from receptionists to developers—must be trained on HIPAA regulations. Offer regular refreshers and document training completion for audits.

6. Secure All Forms and Data Entry Points

Use input validation, CAPTCHA, and HTTPS for every form. Data must be securely transmitted and stored only in HIPAA-compliant systems.

7. Conduct Regular Security Assessments

Perform vulnerability scans and penetration tests. Patch software frequently and update plugins, themes, and CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal to minimize risks.

Who Must Follow HIPAA Website Rules?

If your business touches PHI, HIPAA rules apply—even if indirectly. This includes:

• Doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• Medical billing services
• Health insurance companies
• Telemedicine platforms
• Third-party contractors and IT vendors

Common HIPAA Website Mistakes to Avoid

• Using shared or non-secure hosting
• Lacking a signed BAA with vendors
• Failing to encrypt forms or emails
• Neglecting employee training
• Inadequate access controls or audit logging

Examples of Secure Healthcare Websites

Many providers now showcase their security credentials on their websites. For example, Mayo Clinic emphasizes its use of secure patient portals and encrypted messaging, illustrating how large systems meet compliance standards publicly.

Conclusion: Building a HIPAA Compliant Website

Creating a HIPAA compliant website is about more than ticking off boxes—it’s about establishing trust and ensuring long-term data security. By following the seven essential steps above, you’ll not only achieve compliance but also improve your site’s resilience against threats.