Do healthcare organizations need an MSSP to stay HIPAA compliant?

No, healthcare organizations do not need a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to stay HIPAA compliant, but they can still be helpful when it comes to staying on top of compliance requirements.

HIPAA compliance is not contingent upon outsourcing cybersecurity functions to an external provider. The HIPAA Security Rule does not mandate specific vendors or technologies. Instead, it requires covered entities and business associates to implement “policies, procedures, and technologies that are appropriate for the entity’s particular size, organizational structure, and risks to [electronic protected health information] ePHI.” In other words, HIPAA sets standards and requirements rather than dictating the specific tools or vendors a healthcare organization must use. A small clinic with minimal IT infrastructure may meet compliance requirements through well-defined policies, staff training, and a basic technical security framework, whereas a large hospital network may require more sophisticated technology solutions and dedicated personnel. The emphasis is always on risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding ePHI, not on purchasing services from a particular type of vendor.

That said, many healthcare providers choose to work with MSSPs because they can make compliance easier to manage. As the study Cybersecurity as a Service found, many organizations, especially small and medium-sized ones, are increasingly outsourcing cybersecurity functions to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) due to the scarcity of qualified IT security personnel. It identified MSSPs as a viable and effective solution for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.

MSSPs bring specialized cybersecurity expertise, 24/7 monitoring, and incident response capabilities, all of which can help meet HIPAA’s technical and administrative safeguard requirements. For smaller organizations without a dedicated in-house security team, partnering with an MSSP can be a cost-effective way to strengthen defenses and reduce the risk of costly breaches.

The role of MSSPs in HIPAA compliance

While MSSPs are not required for HIPAA compliance, their services can help healthcare organizations satisfy many of the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards outlined in the HIPAA Security Rule. Here’s how:

Technical Safeguards

HIPAA mandates specific technical safeguards to protect ePHI, including access control, audit controls, integrity controls, and transmission security. MSSPs can help organizations implement and manage these safeguards by providing:

• Continuous monitoring of network activity to detect unauthorized access attempts.
• Threat intelligence and analysis to identify emerging vulnerabilities.
• Encryption management and secure data transmission solutions.
• Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management to prevent exploits.

Administrative Safeguards

Administrative safeguards under HIPAA require policies, procedures, and workforce training to reduce risks to ePHI. MSSPs often provide support in these areas by offering:

• Security awareness training and phishing simulations.
• Policy development templates and guidance.
• Assistance with risk assessments and audit preparation.

Incident response and breach management

Under the HIPAA Security Rule’s administrative safeguards, HIPAA-regulated entities must have plans in place to respond to security incidents and breaches. MSSPs can provide 24/7 monitoring and incident response services, ensuring that potential breaches are quickly identified and remediated. This rapid response can reduce the impact of a breach and demonstrate due diligence in compliance audits.

Physical Safeguards

HIPAA’s physical safeguards focus on protecting the physical access to systems and locations where ePHI is stored, processed, or transmitted. While MSSPs typically operate in the digital security space, many also provide services and guidance that support physical security measures, such as:

• Implementing and managing secure access control systems (e.g., badge readers, biometric authentication) for data centers and offices.
• Monitoring and logging facility access events to ensure only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas.
• Integrating physical security alerts, such as door forced-open alarms, into centralized security dashboards.
• Advising on the secure placement and maintenance of hardware, including server rooms and network devices, to prevent theft or tampering.

Benefits of partnering with an MSSP

Partnering with an MSSP can provide multiple benefits beyond simply meeting HIPAA requirements. The study Cybersecurity as a Service identified two benefits of partnering with an MSSP:

• Addresses talent shortages: The study notes that MSSPs offer access to professional-level cybersecurity expertise, helping organizations manage the challenge of hiring and retaining qualified in-house staff.
• Framework for MSSP evaluation: It offers small and medium-sized businesses a structured way to assess MSSP capabilities and make informed decisions tailored to their risk environment and organizational needs.

• Access to expertise: MSSPs employ cybersecurity professionals with specialized skills that may not be available in-house. These experts stay up to date on the latest threats and compliance best practices.
• 24/7 monitoring and support: Cyber threats are not limited to business hours. MSSPs provide continuous monitoring and support, ensuring that potential incidents are detected and addressed promptly.
• Scalability: MSSPs can scale services to match the growth of an organization, making them a flexible option for healthcare providers expanding their IT infrastructure.

MSSPs are not a substitute for compliance responsibility

Outsourcing cybersecurity to an MSSP does not absolve a healthcare organization of its compliance responsibilities. HIPAA explicitly holds covered entities and business associates accountable for ensuring the protection of ePHI, regardless of whether they use an MSSP. Organizations must perform regular risk assessments, maintain policies and procedures, and ensure that all staff are trained in security practices.

In addition, healthcare providers must have a business associate agreement (BAA) in place with any MSSP they work with. A BAA ensures that the MSSP is legally obligated to follow HIPAA requirements and is accountable for protecting ePHI in the same manner as the covered entity. Failing to establish a proper BAA can result in compliance violations even if the MSSP provides excellent security services.

Read also: What is the role of managed service providers in HIPAA compliance?

Considerations for healthcare organizations

When deciding whether to use an MSSP, healthcare organizations should consider several factors:

• Size and complexity of the organization: Large hospital networks with multiple facilities and complex IT infrastructure may benefit more from MSSP services than smaller practices. Conversely, smaller practices may be motivated to hire an MSSP as a contractor rather than hire a full-time employee.
• In-house expertise: Organizations with skilled IT personnel may be able to manage compliance internally, while those without specialized staff may need external support.
• Regulatory pressure: Some state-level regulations and payer requirements may increase the importance of demonstrating robust cybersecurity measures, making MSSPs a practical choice for compliance assurance.

The downsides and limitations of MSSPs

While MSSPs offer many advantages, they are not a perfect solution for every organization. Some considerations include:

• Dependence on an external provider: Relying on an MSSP may create dependency, and if the provider underperforms or experiences downtime, the healthcare organization could be exposed to additional risk.
• Potential compliance gaps: An MSSP can provide tools and expertise, but ultimate responsibility for compliance remains with the covered entity. Failure to maintain internal policies or staff training can still result in violations.
• Data privacy concerns: Engaging a third party with access to sensitive ePHI introduces additional privacy considerations. Ensuring a robust BAA and understanding the MSSP’s security protocols is essential.

Alternative approaches to HIPAA compliance

Healthcare organizations that choose not to use an MSSP can still achieve HIPAA compliance through:

• Internal IT teams: Hiring qualified cybersecurity staff to implement and monitor security controls internally.
• Hybrid approaches: Combining internal resources with specific outsourced services, such as penetration testing or incident response, without fully outsourcing all security functions.
• Technology solutions: Deploying security information and event management (SIEM) systems, encryption tools, and access management platforms to meet technical safeguard requirements.
• Policy and training programs: Focusing on administrative safeguards such as workforce training, role-based access control, and incident response planning.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

FAQS

Will my MSSP have direct access to patient records?

In most cases, MSSPs monitor systems and networks without accessing patient data directly. If they do require access for troubleshooting or investigation, strict access controls and logging are applied.

Can an MSSP help during a HIPAA audit?

Yes. MSSPs can assist by providing security logs, incident reports, and documentation of safeguards that demonstrate compliance with HIPAA requirements.

Will an MSSP provide HIPAA training for my staff?

Some MSSPs include staff security awareness training in their service packages, while others may focus solely on technical safeguards. Organizations must clarify this when selecting a provider.