As an intuitive site builder, healthcare providers can use Wix’s numerous features to build a professional website and patient portals for their practice. However, despite being a complete web design solution, concerns may arise regarding its ability to handle sensitive patient information securely.
It is crucial to ask: Is Wix HIPAA compliant? Can you trust this popular website design platform to protect patient data following the regulations set by HIPAA?
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The Importance of HIPAA Compliance in Healthcare Websites
Plenty of hospitals and medical institutions nowadays have websites that provide all the information and resources about health. These sites also serve as portals for patients to access their health records or book an in-person appointment. Thus, the risk of breaches and unauthorized access becomes inevitable. Malicious entities could exploit the security vulnerabilities of these sites to access and steal valuable data such as patient records, treatment histories, and prescription requests.
HIPAA compliance in healthcare websites aims to protect these sensitive health details, preventing unwanted access and potential threats that could jeopardize a patient’s safety. Should a breach occur, it can also hold the provider and its website hosting service accountable, subjecting them to legal consequences and monetary fines.
Is Wix HIPAA Compliant?
No, Wix is not HIPAA compliant. The well-known website builder clearly states that its services are not tailored to meet HIPAA requirements. As a result, it cannot act as a business associate, subcontractor, or agent of a covered entity, as defined in the HIPAA guidelines.
Complying with HIPAA regulations for platforms such as Wix depends on implementing measures to ensure the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI). The site builder will also not sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), a legal contract that attests to its commitment to follow HIPAA guidelines in safeguarding PHI.
As stated in its Wix Services and HIPAA page:
Wix does not actively filter or monitor the information or data you store, transmit, or maintain in our services before you upload it to our platform. If your business requires you to be compliant with HIPAA, you are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws governing the privacy and security of ePHI.
Likewise, if you are subject to HIPAA as a Covered Entity or Business Associate, you should not use Wix services in a manner that causes Wix to create, receive, maintain, or transmit ePHI on your behalf.
Benefits and Risks of Using Wix Websites in Healthcare
Here are some benefits and risks of using Wix to create and design websites for healthcare-related purposes:
Benefits
- User-friendly: You can effortlessly create websites and choose among its wide selection of web design tools and features.
- Website Safety: Wix adheres to the PCI compliance standards and incorporates SSL encryption in all its websites.
- Design flexibility: The platform provides exceptional versatility. Its comprehensive tools and templates enable you to turn your website design ideas into reality.
Risks
- Lack of HIPAA compliance: Since Wix is not HIPAA compliant, you cannot use it to handle ePHI or electronic protected health information on your behalf.
- Limited security measures: Wix cannot incorporate external security plugins, limiting its ability to enhance website security beyond its built-in features.
- Constant monitoring and maintenance: Constant surveillance and upkeep are necessary for Wix websites, preventing you from accessing and making changes to your website whenever you want.
Knowing the benefits and risks, deciding whether this website builder suits your needs depends on your requirements and goals. If you’re a covered entity looking to build a website while ensuring PHI safety, it’s best to look for a reputable website builder that’s HIPAA compliant.
Wix Alternatives for HIPAA-Compliant Website Creation
Since Wix and HIPAA Compliance do not go hand in hand, here are other safer options you can choose from:
Medical Web Experts
Medical Web Experts construct websites for healthcare institutions that can fully comply with HIPAA regulations. It offers HIPAA-compliant web hosting and site design services for various healthcare sectors with integrations that play well with other patient portals, EMRs/EHRs, LIS systems, and mobile apps.
Clarity Ventures
Clarity Ventures is a website design provider that can ensure legal compliance with relevant industry regulations. Its 12-step checklist serves as a guide, helping you navigate through the complex requirements of HIPAA.
WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system and website builder. It provides fantastic flexibility and customization options, making it a go-to choice for creating and hosting websites. Although it is not inherently HIPAA compliant, you can explore workarounds that would make it more suitable for use in a healthcare setting.
These Wix alternatives offer similar features and functionality while providing HIPAA compliance out of the box. This way, you can ensure that your website meets the security and privacy standards for handling ePHI.
