HIPAA & BAA · Cloud storage (Google Workspace)
Is Google Drive HIPAA compliant?
Yes, but only as part of a Google Workspace BAA — not as standalone consumer Google Drive. Drive is a Covered Service under the Google Workspace HIPAA BAA on paid Workspace plans.
Key facts
- BAA available: Yes — with a signed BAA
- What it takes: Paid Google Workspace plan (not consumer Gmail/Drive)
- Official source: Google Workspace — HIPAA Compliance (Admin Help) — https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054 (verified 2026-06)
How to use Google Drive in a HIPAA-compliant way
- Subscribe to a paid Google Workspace plan (e.g., Business Starter/Standard/Plus or Enterprise).
- Accept the Google Workspace HIPAA BAA in the Admin console.
- Restrict PHI to Covered Services (Drive is included; consumer products are not).
- Configure services to meet the HIPAA Security Rule.
- Retain the executed BAA for your compliance records.
Important caveats
- Coverage comes from the Google Workspace suite BAA; consumer/free Google Drive and Gmail are not covered and must not store PHI.
- Only Google's designated Covered Services are in scope — many Google products are excluded.
- The BAA must be accepted and services configured correctly; it does not by itself ensure compliance.
The bottom line
No software is "HIPAA compliant" on its own. HIPAA compliance is a property of your organization, not a tool. Even with a signed BAA, you remain responsible for configuring Google Drive correctly, limiting access to PHI, training staff, and maintaining your own safeguards. This page is general information, not legal advice; confirm current terms with Google Drive.
Related tools: Cloud storage & file sharing
BAA availability for tools healthcare teams commonly evaluate alongside Google Drive.
| Tool | Will the vendor sign a BAA? |
|---|---|
| Is Dropbox HIPAA compliant? | Conditionally — on specific plans |
| Is Box HIPAA compliant? | Conditionally — on specific plans |
| Is Microsoft OneDrive HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is SharePoint HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is Citrix ShareFile HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is Egnyte HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is Tresorit HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is Sync.com HIPAA compliant? | Yes — with a signed BAA |
| Is Google Forms HIPAA compliant? | Conditionally — on specific plans |
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Drive sign a BAA?
Yes. Paid Google Workspace plan (not consumer Gmail/Drive) A signed BAA is required before any PHI is involved.
Is Google Drive HIPAA compliant out of the box?
No software is "HIPAA compliant" by itself. Even when Google Drive offers a BAA, you are responsible for signing it, configuring the product correctly, restricting access, and maintaining your own administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.
What should I check before using Google Drive with PHI?
Coverage comes from the Google Workspace suite BAA; consumer/free Google Drive and Gmail are not covered and must not store PHI.