Can member PHI be stored on external hard drives or cloud storage services?

Storing member Protected Health Information (PHI) on external hard drives or cloud storage services is generally not permitted unless stringent security measures are in place. Thus, the correct approach is to ensure that sensitive data is not kept in less secure environments due to the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access.

In healthcare and related fields, safeguarding member PHI is paramount, and organizations must comply with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These regulations dictate strict guidelines for safeguarding sensitive information, including where and how it may be stored. Solutions like external hard drives or cloud services may introduce vulnerabilities that could lead to exposing sensitive data if not effectively managed with appropriate security protocols.

While encryption and consent can offer additional layers of protection and legality, storing PHI simply on such platforms without proper safeguards cannot be considered secure.