A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legal contract between a healthcare provider (or other entity covered by HIPAA) and a business associate who will have access to protected health information (PHI). This agreement ensures that the business associate will use, disclose, and safeguard PHI in compliance with HIPAA regulations. It outlines the specific responsibilities and duties of the business associate regarding the handling of PHI, including security measures, reporting of breaches, and ensuring that any subcontractors also comply with HIPAA rules. The BAA helps protect patient privacy and ensures that all parties are accountable for the secure management of sensitive health information.