Noom is a digital health platform that offers personalized weight loss and wellness programs by combining psychology, technology, and human coaching.
With Noom, users can receive daily lessons, track their food and exercise, and have access to a personal coach to support behavior change and sustainable weight loss.
Is Noom HIPAA compliant? Yes, based on our research, Noom can be HIPAA compliant.
Yes, Noom will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.
Noom’s HIPAA Notice outlines how protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. It also describes safeguards and user rights under HIPAA, stating, "We may use or disclose, as needed, your protected health information in order to support the normal business activities of Noom."
Their BAA covers:
Noom is not intended to replace medical or mental health treatment. Their coaches are not licensed medical professionals, and the platform does not establish a physician-patient relationship.
From their Terms of Use, "Noom Coaches cannot offer advice regarding diagnosis or treatment of any medical or mental health condition or illness. Under no circumstances will any of your interactions with any Noom Coach be deemed or construed to create a physician-patient relationship."
This limits Noom’s use in clinical settings and excludes direct treatment-related communications.
Noom signs a BAA and is therefore HIPAA compliant.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
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.
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.
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.