Readiness is about understanding timing, risk, and ownership.
The operator's bottom line: You need HIPAA compliance if you create, receive, store, or transmit protected health information (PHI) as a covered entity (provider, health plan, clearinghouse) or as a business associate handling PHI for one. If you build software, host data, or run automation that touches patient records, you're a business associate and need a signed BAA. If your data never includes identifiable health info, HIPAA likely doesn't apply, skip the expensive audit and confirm scope first.
