Amazon OpenSearch Service (formerly known as AWS Elasticsearch) is a managed search and analytics service that enables organizations to ingest, search, and analyze large volumes of data in real time.
With Amazon OpenSearch Service, companies can build scalable search applications, monitor logs, and gain insights from structured and unstructured data.
Is Amazon OpenSearch Service HIPAA compliant? Yes, OpenSearch Service can be HIPAA compliant, when using HIPAA-elligable versions of their services.
What changed this year?
As of January 2026, our review did not identify any publicly disclosed changes to Amazon OpenSearch Service’s HIPAA‑related policies or BAA terms.
Will Amazon OpenSearch Service sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, AWS will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.
What does the Amazon OpenSearch Service BAA cover?
The AWS BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) within HIPAA‑eligible services, including Amazon OpenSearch Service. According to AWS, “AWS enables covered entities and their business associates subject to HIPAA to use the secure AWS environment to process, maintain, and store protected health information.”
Their BAA covers:
- Protection of PHI through encryption and secure hosting
- Notifications of security incidents
- Access by HHS requests for audits or investigations
- Individual Right of Access requests
- Audit trails and logging for PHI access
- Return or destruction of PHI upon termination
What does the Amazon OpenSearch Service BAA exclude?
The AWS BAA does not automatically cover all AWS services. Only HIPAA‑eligible services are included. For OpenSearch Service, compliance requires:
- Using HIPAA‑eligible versions (Elasticsearch 6.0+ or OpenSearch).
- Configuring encryption at rest and node‑to‑node encryption.
- Implementing fine‑grained access controls.
- Following AWS’s shared responsibility model (AWS secures infrastructure, customers secure configurations).
Conclusion
Amazon OpenSearch Service signs a BAA and is therefore HIPAA compliant.
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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Tshedimoso Makhene : June 16, 2024
