Covered entities are health plans, health care clearinghouses and health care providers that transmit health information electronically in standard transactions. Most medical and dental practices that bill insurance fall into the last group.
HIPAA does not certify products. A vendor can support your compliance by signing a business associate agreement and applying safeguards, but responsibility stays with the practice.
Animal health records are not protected health information, so veterinary clinics are generally outside HIPAA.
As of November 11, 2026. General information, not legal advice.