Requirements for Group Health Plans

164.314(a)(2) Organizational Requirements High Risk Moderate

Except when the only ePHI disclosed to a plan sponsor is disclosed pursuant to 164.504(f)(1)(ii) or (iii), or as permitted under 164.508(a)(3)(i), a group health plan must ensure that its plan documents provide that the plan sponsor will reasonably and appropriately safeguard ePHI.

Implementation Guidance

Develop and implement group health plan security procedures including plan document requirements and sponsor responsibilities.

NIST References

NIST SP 800-66 Rev. 2: Section 3.4.2

Best Practices

Comprehensive plan document requirements, clear sponsor responsibilities, effective security procedures.

Testing Procedures

Review plan document requirements, verify sponsor responsibilities, test security procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the requirements for group health plans? A: Group health plans must ensure plan sponsors reasonably and appropriately safeguard ePHI.

Control Information

Control ID:
164.314(a)(2)
Category:
Organizational Requirements
Subcategory:
Group Health Plans
Risk Level:
High
Implementation Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated Cost:
Medium
Implementation Timeframe:
2-4 months
Views:
3
Last Updated:
Oct 1, 2025

Related Controls

Additional Resources

NIST SP 800-66 Rev. 2: Group Health Plan Guidance, HHS Group Health Plan Guidance, Plan Document Templates