Technology guide
Identity Management and HIPAA
Use lifecycle, privilege, authentication, service-account, and access-review practices to protect ePHI.
Reviewed August 2026
Key considerations
- Identity spans workforce, vendors, service accounts, APIs, emergency access, and cloud control planes.
- Joiner-mover-leaver and privileged-access evidence should cover all systems that can reach ePHI.
- Authentication strength should match risk and be reviewed as workflows change.
Questions to ask
- Can every ePHI action be tied to a unique person or service identity?
- How are role changes and terminations propagated?
- How are break-glass and privileged events reviewed?