Communicating with patients over text is quick, convenient, and widely used. But when it comes to transmitting Protected Health Information (PHI), convenience must take a back seat to compliance.
Many healthcare providers wonder whether popular tools like Google Chat or Google Messages are HIPAA compliant. After all, these tools are already in use across countless organizations. But can they be safely used to share sensitive patient data?
The short answer: not by default.
To meet HIPAA requirements, Google’s messaging tools must be configured within an enterprise Google Workspace environment under a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA). And even then, not all Google communication products are covered.
Below, we explain what it means for a messaging service to be HIPAA compliant, where Google text services stand, and what your safest options are for secure messaging.
—
What Makes a Messaging Service HIPAA Compliant?
To be HIPAA compliant, any platform that transmits, stores, or processes PHI must meet the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards outlined in the HIPAA Security Rule (45 CFR § 164.312). This includes encryption, access controls, audit logs, and user authentication.
But there’s one more essential requirement: the vendor must sign a Business Associate Agreement. Without a BAA, even technically secure platforms do not meet HIPAA’s legal standards.
This is especially important with cloud-based messaging tools like those offered by Google.
—
Is Google Text HIPAA Compliant?
The term “Google Text” can refer to multiple services—Google Chat (formerly Hangouts), Google Messages (for SMS/RCS on Android), or even Gmail used for conversational messaging.
Of these, only services used within a HIPAA-configured Google Workspace account may be made compliant, and only with the proper safeguards.
Google offers a BAA for Google Workspace enterprise customers, covering core services like Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and Google Drive. Google Chat is included, but Google Messages—the default text/SMS app on Android phones—is not.
According to Google, only services listed in its BAA coverage documentation are eligible for HIPAA-compliant use once configured appropriately (Google Workspace Admin Help, 2023: support.google.com/a/answer/3407054).
That means if your team is using Android’s native Messages app or personal Gmail/Chat accounts, you are not HIPAA compliant.
—
Why Standard Google Messaging Falls Short
Most Google services available to consumers are not configured for HIPAA compliance. They lack enforced encryption for all endpoints, audit logging, administrative controls, and—most importantly—a signed BAA.
Messages sent through Android’s default texting app or unsanctioned Google Chat accounts can be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized users. Even if encryption is in place, using a platform without a BAA violates HIPAA requirements.
And remember, texting patients—even for seemingly benign updates—can be a HIPAA violation if that text contains identifiable health information.
—
HIPAA-Compliant Use of Google Chat (When Managed by HIPAA Vault)
Healthcare organizations that want to use Google Chat securely must use it through a properly configured Google Workspace instance under BAA.
At HIPAA Vault, we offer HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace services that include:
- A signed BAA covering all eligible Google Workspace tools
- Secure configuration of Google Chat, Gmail, and Drive
- Enforced MFA and advanced endpoint management
- Full logging and admin control for audit readiness
This setup allows for compliant internal communication and can extend to patient communications with additional consent protocols and security layers.
HIPAA Vault ensures your team can use Google’s collaborative tools—including Chat and Drive—without the risk of noncompliance. Learn more here
—
Alternative: Secure Email & Messaging with HIPAA Vault
For many providers, email remains the preferred channel for patient communication. But only when it’s encrypted and supported by a HIPAA-ready environment.
HIPAA Vault’s secure email platform is built specifically for healthcare, with fully encrypted messages (both in transit and at rest), enforced MFA, and guaranteed BAA coverage. You can send messages and attachments to patients with confidence—no additional software needed on their end.
Explore secure email for your practice
We also offer file sharing, cloud storage, and hosting—all managed in compliance with HIPAA’s stringent rules.
—
Key Takeaway
So, is Google text HIPAA compliant?
Not by default.
Google Chat can be HIPAA compliant when configured under a Google Workspace BAA with the proper administrative and technical controls in place. But personal Google accounts and Android Messages do not qualify and should never be used for PHI.
Healthcare organizations should invest in dedicated, managed communication solutions that meet compliance standards without guesswork. HIPAA Vault helps providers use Google’s best tools—safely.
