In the normal course of its work with candidates for certification and its diplomates (collectively “diplomates”), ABIM does not receive Protected Health Information subject to HIPAA regulations. However, to provide an extra measure of reassurance to its diplomates, ABIM has adopted a standard form of Business Associate Agreement which it regards as automatically binding between ABIM and all ABIM diplomates.
The effect of this agreement will make ABIM a business associate of the diplomate in accordance with HIPAA regulations and requires ABIM to handle any Protected Health Information in compliance with HIPAA.
All ABIM applications also make this agreement a part of the contract between the diplomate or candidate and ABIM. Read the Business Associate Agreement (pdf).
While the foregoing is sufficient to create a binding business associate agreement between a diplomate or candidate and ABIM, any diplomate who needs an originally signed version may obtain one by printing the agreement (which is signed on behalf of ABIM), signing it and storing it in appropriate files.