1 min read

Is Help Scout HIPAA compliant? (2026 update)

Help Scout logo

Help Scout is a customer service software platform that provides tools for email management, live chat, help desk ticketing, and knowledge base creation.

With Help Scout, organizations can streamline their support processes and improve customer communication while maintaining security and compliance standards.

Is Help Scout HIPAA compliant? Yes, based on our research, Help Scout can be HIPAA compliant.

 

What changed this year?

As of May 2026, our review did not identify any publicly disclosed changes to Help Scout’s HIPAA-related policies or BAA terms.

 

Will Help Scout sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?

Yes, Help Scout will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.

 

What does the Help Scout BAA cover?

The Help Scout BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), stating: “Business Associate will establish and implement safeguards for certain individually identifiable PHI relating to patients of Covered Entity that Business Associate may receive, create, maintain, use or disclose in connection with certain functions, activities and services that Business Associate performs for Covered Entity.”

Their BAA covers:

  • Appropriate safeguards
  • Mitigation of harmful effects
  • Breach reporting
  • Minimum necessary requirements
  • Accounting of disclosures
  • Access to policies and records
  • Documentation of disclosures

 

Conclusion

Help Scout signs a BAA and is therefore HIPAA compliant.

Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

FAQs

What is a business associate agreement?

A business associate agreement (BAA) is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its business associates. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of personal health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA regulations.

 

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).

HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in significant fines and penalties for covered entities.

 

Who does HIPAA apply to?

HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates of these covered entities. These are entities that perform certain functions or activities on behalf of the covered entity.

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