Are the quickbooks 2018 encrypted e mails hippa complient

According to Intuit, the developer of QuickBooks, the email encryption used in QuickBooks 2018 is not HIPAA compliant.

Here's why:

  1. HIPAA requires specific encryption standards: HIPAA requires that electronic protected health information (ePHI) be encrypted using specific standards, such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a key length of at least 128 bits.
  2. QuickBooks 2018 uses a different encryption standard: QuickBooks 2018 uses a different encryption standard, which is not HIPAA compliant. The encryption used is based on the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, which is no longer considered secure.
  3. Intuit's statement: In a statement, Intuit acknowledged that the email encryption used in QuickBooks 2018 is not HIPAA compliant. They stated that they are working to improve the encryption standards used in their products to meet HIPAA requirements.

If you are a healthcare provider or business associate who uses QuickBooks 2018 to store or transmit ePHI, you should take steps to ensure that your email communications are HIPAA compliant. This may involve using a different email encryption solution that meets HIPAA standards.

Here are some alternatives:

  1. Use a HIPAA-compliant email encryption service: Consider using a third-party email encryption service that is specifically designed to meet HIPAA requirements, such as ZixCorp, SendInc, or Axway.
  2. Use a secure messaging platform: Consider using a secure messaging platform that is designed for healthcare, such as Amion, Meditech, or Athenahealth.
  3. Implement a secure email gateway: Implement a secure email gateway that scans incoming and outgoing emails for sensitive information and encrypts them using HIPAA-compliant standards.

Remember, it's essential to ensure that your email communications are HIPAA compliant to avoid potential penalties and fines.