Points clés à retenir
- Independent audits build confidence: SOC 2 Type 2 provides third-party evidence that a vendor’s security controls operate effectively over time.
- Security supports uninterrupted care: Strong operational controls limit critical disruptions that negatively impact patients and care teams.
- SOC 2 is one part of effective security: The strongest healthcare technology partners combine independent audits with Canadian data hosting, interoperability, encryption, and continuous monitoring.
A SOC 2 Type 2 report is an independent audit that verifies whether an organization’s security controls work effectively over time. For healthcare teams evaluating technology vendors, it provides objective evidence that sensitive data is protected through established, consistent security practices.
Modern healthcare requires network decision-makers to become familiar with SOC 2 Type 2 reports.
This is because strong data protection is critical for patients and providers.
Healthcare cyberattacks increased by 21% globally in 2025. Considering that cyberattacks costing healthcare organizations more than other groups at $10.1M per attack on average, healthcare organizations—from network decision-makers to frontline physicians—need to understand cybersecurity best practices.
- Remember: The public credibility and fiscal security of healthcare teams rely on ensuring patient data is protected.
Choosing the right technology partner therefore carries significant responsibility. One of the most widely recognized ways vendors demonstrate this commitment is through a SOC 2 Type 2 report.
Read on to learn what a SOC 2 Type 2 report is, how it works, and why it should be part of every healthcare organization’s vendor evaluation process.
What is a SOC 2 Type 2 report?
A SOC 2 Type 2 report is an independent audit that evaluates how an organization protects customer data through its security controls and operational processes.
The framework was developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It’s commonly used by cloud software providers that store or process sensitive information and allows organizations to review an assessment performed by an independent third party.
SOC 2 audits evaluate controls against the Trust Services Criteria, which include:
- Sécurité
- Availability
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
These controls help demonstrate that a vendor has established processes to protect data while supporting reliable system performance.
3,500+ worldwide customer deployments benefit from Petal’s top-grade security.
Why does SOC 2 Type 2 matter in healthcare?
Know how Type 1 and Type 2 compare before reviewing the security of your vendor or prospective vendor.
For healthcare organizations evaluating long-term technology partners, Type 2 provides greater assurance because it reflects ongoing operational discipline rather than a single snapshot.
Summary: A SOC 2 Type 2 report provides independent proof that a vendor’s security controls work consistently over time.
What should healthcare leaders ask technology vendors?
A SOC 2 Type 2 report is an important part of vendor due diligence and risk management, but it shouldn’t be the only question organizations ask.
To glean a clearer idea of a vendor’s ability to effectively host your data, ask:
- Do you maintain a current SOC 2 Type 2 report?
- How often are independent audits completed?
- Where is healthcare data hosted?
- How do you manage backups and disaster recovery?
These answers support effective Vendor risk management / Third-party risk management.
Third-party risk has become one of healthcare’s biggest cybersecurity challenges because vendors create significant downstream exposure.
- In 2025 alone, 772 large healthcare data breaches were reported, with hacking and IT incidents now the leading cause. A ransomware attack on Ontario Medical Supply, a third-party vendor supporting Ontario Health atHome, exposed the personal information of up to 200,000 patients.
As healthcare organizations become increasingly reliant on cloud software and connected systems, evaluating vendor security is now as important as protecting internal infrastructure.
Independent audits are particularly valuable. These provide accountability beyond internal policies, while also demonstrating a willingness to undergo regular external review.
Summary: A SOC 2 Type 2 report should be one component of a broader vendor security evaluation that examines transparency and operational maturity.
Petal users make 400,000+ shift trades and transfers per year.
SOC 2 Type 2 is one part of a strong healthcare security strategy
No single certification guarantees complete security.
Healthcare organizations should evaluate vendors using multiple indicators, including where data is hosted, how information is encrypted, whether interoperability standards are supported, and how security practices evolve over time.
For example, organizations should consider:
- Canadian data hosting and applicable privacy legislation
- Encryption for data in transit and at rest
- Secure interoperability through standards such as FHIR and HL7
- Continuous monitoring and threat detection
- Annual independent security assessments
Summary: SOC 2 Type 2 is an important indicator of vendor maturity, but it’s most valuable when considered alongside broader security and compliance practices.
Secure your patient and workforce data
Petal’s cloud solutions—Workforce, Facturation, and Patient Hub—meet world-class security standards.
They’re also 100% Canadian-built and hosted.
Clients maintain full ownership of their data. It’s located across multiple time zones for redundancy and resilience, including backups. Backups are tested regularly to ensure recoverability as needed. Each solution:
- Meets global standards in interoperability (FHIR, HL7) and security (SOC 2 Type 2).
- And offers SOC 2 Type 3 summaries.
- Aligns with GDPR and other global privacy frameworks.
- Includes annual, independent audits.
Prioritize data security in your organization by choosing top-grade protection.
Have confidence in your security infrastructure:
FAQs: SOC 2 Type 2 in healthcare
What is a SOC 2 Type 2 report?
A SOC 2 Type 2 report is an independent audit that evaluates whether an organization’s security controls operate effectively over an extended period. It helps organizations verify that vendors consistently protect customer data.
What’s the difference between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2?
SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates security controls at a single point in time. SOC 2 Type 2 assesses how well those controls perform over several months, providing stronger evidence of ongoing operational effectiveness.
Is SOC 2 Type 2 required for healthcare software?
Not necessarily. However, many healthcare organizations prefer vendors with SOC 2 Type 2 because it provides independent validation of security controls and supports vendor risk assessments.
How often is a SOC 2 Type 2 audit performed?
Most organizations complete SOC 2 Type 2 audits annually to demonstrate that their security controls continue to operate effectively and remain aligned with evolving risks.
Does SOC 2 Type 2 guarantee compliance with healthcare privacy laws?
No. SOC 2 Type 2 focuses on security controls rather than specific regulatory frameworks. Healthcare organizations should also evaluate factors, such as data residency and privacy legislation.
