The Transformative Role of Blockchain in Healthcare Privacy and Compliance
Mohit Angurala, Sandeep Singh, Navneet Kumar Rajpoot, Sonal Rattan · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · 2025
Blockchain technology transforms the complicated process of verifying credentials and licensing among professionals in healthcare into an easy one, further ensuring adherence to all prerequisites of the qualification protocol and regulatory standards. Because of decentralized and immutable nature, blockchain technology holds huge potential for disrupting healthcare systems globally. It is a beacon of what blockchain can realize in creating a secure and transparent environment in the management of highly sensitive health data by using its decentralized ledger and cryptographic capabilities. This chapter explores the vital role of privacy and regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector, focusing on the protection of sensitive patient data in an increasingly digital world. As healthcare providers adopt technologies like blockchain, safeguarding data from unauthorized access and ensuring regulatory adherence become paramount. Key regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and the HITECH Act are examined alongside challenges posed by cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and fragmented health records. Blockchain technology is proposed as a transformative tool for enhancing privacy, security, and compliance through mechanisms like encryption, access control, and automated compliance checks. The chapter also discusses future trends, including the convergence of blockchain with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), offering a forward-looking perspective on how healthcare can leverage these innovations for improved data protection and regulatory compliance.