Is Gravity Forms HIPAA Compliant?

Blocksurvey blog author
Written by Swathi Lakshmi
Feb 12, 2025 · 3 mins read

Hey there! Are you looking to collect patient data through Gravity Forms? But wondering, Is it HIPAA-compliant?

we get it. If you are a healthcare provider handling Protected Health Information (PHI), ensuring HIPAA compliance is the top priority. It’s a legal and ethical responsibility. HIPAA compliance is not optional - it’s a legal requirement.

A single mistake can lead to a data breach, loss of patient trust, and hefty fines.

Now let’s go straight to the point. Gravity Forms is not HIPAA compliant by default. If you are using it for patient info without extra security measures, you are putting your business at serious risk.

But don't worry, you're not alone in figuring this out. Let me walk you through why and what it takes to make it compliant. And is there a safer alternative? Let’s break it down.

What is Gravity Forms?

Gravity Forms is a powerful WordPress plugin that allows users to build custom forms for various purposes. It’s widely used in the healthcare industry - but here’s the problem:

By default, Gravity Forms is NOT designed to be HIPAA compliant.

That means, if you’re collecting patient data using Gravity Forms without additional security measures, you’re likely violating HIPAA regulations without even realizing it.

Why Gravity Forms is not HIPAA-Compliant?

For a form builder to be HIPAA compliant, it needs to follow strict security standards to protect sensitive patient information. It claims to have no access to customer data so will not sign a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement with covered entities and business associates. Gravity Forms, by default, lacks some critical security and compliance features:

  • No Encryption at Rest - Data collected is stored on your WordPress database unencrypted, making it vulnerable to breaches.
  • No Business Associate Agreement (BAA) - Gravity Forms does not sign a BAA, which is a mandatory requirement for handling PHI.
  • No Built-in HIPAA Security Controls - While you can add plugins to strengthen security, it’s your responsibility to ensure compliance - there are no default safeguards.
  • Hosting & Compliance is on You - Even if you secure your forms, your hosting environment must also be HIPAA compliant - another huge responsibility on your end.

The bottom line? Using Gravity Forms for PHI without major modifications leaves your data at risk- and could get you into legal trouble.

Why go through all this hassle when you have a safe and secure HIPAA-compliant survey tool?

The HIPAA-Compliant Alternative to Gravity Forms: BlockSurvey

Instead of spending time, money, and effort trying to make Gravity Forms work for HIPAA, why not use a platform that’s already built for compliance and a privacy-first approach?

BlockSurvey: A privacy-first, HIPAA-compliant survey platform designed for secure data collection.

BlockSurvey is built with privacy, security, and compliance at the base - so you can focus on patient care instead of worrying about data security.

  • HIPAA Compliance by Default – No extra plugins or technical setup needed -just sign up and start collecting data securely.
  • End-to-End Encryption (At Rest & In Transit)  - BlockSurvey encrypts all data automatically, ensuring no unauthorized access.
  • Business Associate Agreement (BAA) - BlockSurvey signs BAAs, making it fully compliant for PHI collection.
  • No Tracking, No Cookies - Unlike most form builders, BlockSurvey doesn’t track users, use cookies, or collect unnecessary metadata.
  • Simple, No-Code Setup - You don’t need a tech expert to ensure HIPAA compliance - BlockSurvey makes it seamless and stress-free.
  • Easy Migration -  Want to move from Gravity Forms? No worries! BlockSurvey offers an effortless migration process, allowing you to recreate your existing forms quickly with its intuitive, no-code builder.

We ensure a smooth and secure transition without data loss or compliance risks.

Let’s compare Gravity Forms vs BlockSurvey

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Gravity Forms and BlockSurvey on key compliance and security features.

FEATURES

GRAVITY FORMS

BLOCKSURVEY

HIPAA Compliance

Not Compliant by default. It requires a third-party plugin.

Compliant by default

Encryption at Rest

Not encrypted by default. It requires custom solutions.

Encrypted by default

Encryption at Transit

Depends on the SSL setup by the user

Encrypted by default

Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

Does not sign BAAs

Signs BAAs

AI-Powered Creation & Analysis

Not available

Built-in AI-driven survey creation & data insights

Why BlockSurvey is a better alternative?

If you’re in healthcare, telemedicine, mental health, or any industry handling PHI, you need a secure, HIPAA-compliant solution - without the headaches.

Why waste time trying to fix Gravity Forms when there’s a better, safer alternative?

With BlockSurvey, you get:

  • Instant HIPAA compliance
  • No extra plugins or complicated setup
  • Bulletproof encryption and privacy
  • Full data ownership

Your patients trust you to protect their information. Make sure you’re using a platform that keeps their data safe.

Get Started with BlockSurvey today! Have a Safer HIPAA-compliant journey!

Is Gravity Forms HIPAA Compliant? FAQ

How does BlockSurvey ensure HIPAA compliance?

BlockSurvey offers end-to-end encryption, secure storage, and signs BAAs, ensuring full HIPAA compliance without extra plugins or manual setup.

Can I migrate my existing forms from Gravity Forms to BlockSurvey?

Yes! BlockSurvey allows you to easily recreate your forms with its no-code builder and provides support for a smooth, secure migration. Contact us to know more.

Is Gravity Forms HIPAA compliant?

No, Gravity Forms is not inherently HIPAA compliant. However, with additional plugins and proper configuration, it can be made to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Will Gravity Forms sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)?

Gravity Forms, as a software provider, generally does not sign BAAs. It's the responsibility of the user to ensure that any data collected and stored via Gravity Forms is protected according to HIPAA standards.

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blog author description

Swathi Lakshmi

Swathi leads the Growth Team at BlockSurvey, ensuring the company reaches new heights. When away from the office, Swathi indulges in movies, enjoys a wide variety of music, and loves to travel to new and exciting locations.

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