Is single sign-on HIPAA compliant?

Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies login by allowing users to access multiple services with one set of credentials. SSO can be HIPAA compliant when healthcare organizations implement strong password policies, prohibit weak passwords, use multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encrypt data in transit. These measures ensure the security of patient health information as per HIPAA standards.

What is SSO?

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication and access control mechanism that allows users to access multiple applications or services with a single set of login credentials. 

Healthcare organizations and providers often rely on multiple software systems to deliver patient care and manage administrative tasks. SSO offers a streamlined approach, eliminating the need for users to manage various username and password combinations. Instead, they authenticate once, and the SSO system provides access to the authorized systems.

HIPAA and healthcare data security

HIPAA doesn't specify password requirements, but it mandates the implementation of reasonable safeguards for data protection. 

HIPAA regulations establish rules for securely handling patient data, addressing confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Under HIPAA, healthcare organizations must protect the sensitive information they collect and store. Additionally, the June 2023 OCR cybersecurity newsletter emphasized that "The HIPAA Security Rule requires HIPAA covered entities and business associates ("regulated entities") to implement authentication procedures "to verify that a person or entity seeking access to electronic protected health information is the one claimed." So, any technology or process they employ, including SSO, must align with these requirements. 

Related: What are administrative, physical and technical safeguards?

Password requirements under HIPAA

HIPAA defers to standards like those provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for password security. NIST recommends strong passwords, typically at least 8 characters long and including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords should be unique and not easily guessable. These password requirements are fundamental for HIPAA compliance and are a component of a secure SSO implementation. Healthcare organizations should ensure that passwords are robust and not susceptible to brute force attacks or easy guessing. 

SSO and HIPAA compliance

To ensure HIPAA compliance, healthcare organizations should align their SSO practices with HIPAA requirements. One important aspect of HIPAA compliance is the concept of access control. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access patient data. With SSO, healthcare organizations can manage user access efficiently. However, the SSO system must meet the required standards for authentication and authorization.

Related: A guide to HIPAA and access controls

Steps to ensure HIPAA compliant SSO

1. Implement password requirements for the SSO portal: Passwords should meet or exceed NIST guidelines for strength. Passwords must be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Prohibit easily guessed passwords: Avoid using passwords that contain personal information, such as their name, birthdate, or common phrases.
3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security. In addition to entering their password, users must provide an additional authentication method, such as a code sent to their mobile device.
4. Educate users: Healthcare organizations must educate users about HIPAA password requirements. This includes teaching them how to create strong passwords and how to protect their passwords from being compromised.

SSO and data encryption

Data transmission between the identity provider (IdP) and service providers (SP) in an SSO system should be encrypted to protect patient health information from unauthorized access or interception.

Encryption is a component of data security in healthcare that ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission, it remains unreadable and secure. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are commonly used to encrypt data in transit, adding an extra layer of protection to the SSO process.