Understanding the Go4 Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and EMR
Learn what a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is, why Go4 requires one before using the EMR, and how it helps protect patient health information.
Before using Go4's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) platform to document evaluations, treatments, and injuries, Athletic Trainers are required to review and sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
The BAA is an important part of ensuring both you and Go4 meet your responsibilities under HIPAA when handling protected health information (PHI).
By signing the agreement, you authorize Go4 to securely receive, store, maintain, and transmit medical records on your behalf through the platform.
Why This Matters
Without an active Business Associate Agreement, Go4 cannot lawfully receive, store, maintain, or transmit the patient records you create within the Go4 EMR.
What Is a Business Associate Agreement?
A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legal agreement required under HIPAA whenever a healthcare provider works with a third-party organization that may have access to protected health information.
Under HIPAA, organizations like Go4 are considered a Business Associate because the platform helps Athletic Trainers document, store, and manage patient medical records electronically.
The BAA outlines:
- What Go4 is authorized to do on your behalf
- How protected health information will be handled
- Security and privacy obligations
- Responsibilities under HIPAA
Why Does Go4 Require a BAA?
Athletic Trainers use Go4's EMR platform to create and maintain medical documentation related to patient care.
Because protected health information may be stored within the platform, HIPAA requires that a Business Associate Agreement be in place before Go4 can assist with these functions.
The agreement helps ensure:
- Patient information remains protected
- Healthcare records are stored securely
- HIPAA requirements are met
- Responsibilities are clearly defined for both parties
HIPAA Compliance
The BAA helps ensure both Athletic Trainers and Go4 meet their obligations to protect the privacy and security of patient health information.
How Go4 Protects Patient Information
Go4 takes the protection of healthcare information seriously.
The platform is designed to help Athletic Trainers securely document, store, and manage patient records while supporting compliance with applicable privacy and security requirements.
By entering into a BAA, Go4 agrees to maintain appropriate safeguards to help protect protected health information created within the platform.
Why Do I Need to Sign the BAA?
Athletic Trainers must have an active Business Associate Agreement in place before utilizing Go4's EMR functionality.
If a BAA has not been completed, access to certain EMR-related features may be restricted until the agreement is accepted.
FAQs
What is a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)?
A BAA is a legal agreement required under HIPAA that allows a third-party organization, such as Go4, to receive, store, maintain, or transmit protected health information on behalf of a healthcare provider.
Why am I being asked to sign a BAA?
Because Go4's EMR platform stores and manages patient medical records, HIPAA requires a Business Associate Agreement to be in place before protected health information can be handled through the platform.
Do I need a BAA to use the Go4 EMR?
Yes. An active Business Associate Agreement is required before Go4 can lawfully receive, store, maintain, or transmit the patient records you create within the EMR.
What is protected health information (PHI)?
Protected health information (PHI) includes individually identifiable health information related to a patient's condition, treatment, evaluation, or healthcare services.
Is the BAA required by Go4 or by HIPAA?
The requirement originates from HIPAA regulations.
Go4 requires the agreement because HIPAA mandates that healthcare providers have a Business Associate Agreement with third-party organizations that handle protected health information on their behalf.
Does signing the BAA give Go4 ownership of my patient records?
No. The BAA simply authorizes Go4 to provide the technology and services necessary to securely store and manage records while maintaining appropriate privacy and security protections.
How does the BAA help protect patient information?
The agreement outlines how protected health information must be handled, stored, secured, and safeguarded by Go4 in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
Can I use the Go4 platform without signing the BAA?
You may still be able to use other parts of the platform, but an active BAA is required before utilizing EMR functionality that involves protected health information.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the BAA?
If you have questions regarding the Business Associate Agreement or HIPAA-related requirements, please contact our Support team at support@go4.io and our team will be happy to assist.