Why Software Developers Need to Understand HIPAA
If you're building software that handles patient health information (PHI), HIPAA compliance isn't optional—it's a legal requirement. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act applies to any covered entity or business associate that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI. As a developer, understanding HIPAA's technical requirements helps you build secure systems from the ground up and avoid costly violations.
Key HIPAA Concepts for Developers
What is PHI?
Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by a covered entity. This encompasses:
- Names, addresses, dates (birth, admission, discharge)
- Medical record numbers, account numbers
- Diagnoses, treatment information, prescriptions
- Biometric identifiers, full-face photos
- Any other unique identifying information
The HIPAA Security Rule
The Security Rule mandates three types of safeguards for electronic PHI (ePHI):
- Administrative: Policies, procedures, workforce training, risk management
- Physical: Facility access controls, workstation security, device controls
- Technical: Access controls, audit controls, integrity, transmission security
Technical Safeguards Every Developer Must Implement
1. Encryption
Encrypt ePHI both in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256). Never store or transmit unencrypted PHI over public networks. Hash passwords with bcrypt or Argon2.
2. Access Controls
Implement role-based access control (RBAC). Each user should have a unique identifier. Enforce minimum necessary access—users should only see PHI required for their job function.
3. Audit Controls
Log all access to ePHI: who accessed what, when, and from where. Retain audit logs for at least six years. Monitor for unauthorized access attempts.
4. Integrity Controls
Implement mechanisms to ensure ePHI is not improperly altered or destroyed. Use checksums, versioning, or digital signatures where appropriate.
5. Transmission Security
Use TLS for all API calls, web traffic, and data transfers. Validate SSL certificates. Avoid sending PHI via unsecured email or SMS.
Common Developer Mistakes
- Logging PHI in application logs or error messages
- Using third-party services without a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
- Storing PHI in client-side storage (localStorage, cookies) without encryption
- Failing to implement proper session timeout and logout
- Not conducting regular security risk assessments
Conclusion
HIPAA compliance in software development requires a security-first mindset. Build encryption, access controls, and audit trails into your architecture from day one. Partner with infrastructure providers that offer BAA, and always prioritize the protection of patient data.
Ready to build HIPAA-compliant healthcare software? Contact TWO44 to learn about our healthcare technology development services and HIPAA-compliant solutions.
