Chi'Vas Compliant Tech Stack

Securing Our Customer and Users.

1. Cloud Infrastructure:

  • AWS (Amazon Web Services):

    • Services: AWS RDS for PostgreSQL (HIPAA-compliant database), AWS Lambda for serverless computing, and AWS S3 for secure storage.

    • Why: AWS offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for HIPAA compliance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Alternative: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure, both offering HIPAA-compliant services with BAAs.


2. Database:

  • PostgreSQL (Managed Services):

    • AWS RDS or Google Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL (HIPAA-compliant).

    • Why: Relational database with advanced querying and compliance certifications.

  • Alternative: MongoDB Atlas (offers a HIPAA-compliant tier for NoSQL needs).


3. Authentication:

  • Auth0 or Okta:

    • Why: Both are SOC 2 and HIPAA-compliant, providing robust, scalable authentication with features like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure session management.
  • Alternative: Firebase Authentication (ensure HIPAA tier is selected if used).


4. Real-Time Capabilities:

  • Pusher or Ably:

    • Why: Provides real-time communication for chat and live updates. Both platforms offer secure, encrypted data transfer and support HIPAA compliance.
  • Alternative: AWS AppSync for WebSocket-based real-time communication.


5. Data Storage and File Management:

  • AWS S3 with Encryption:

    • Why: HIPAA-compliant storage solution for documents, logs, or media files with automatic encryption at rest and in transit.
  • Alternative: Google Cloud Storage or Azure Blob Storage (HIPAA-compliant).


6. API and Backend Frameworks:

  • Node.js with Express:

    • Why: Popular framework for building secure, scalable RESTful APIs.
  • Django (Python):

    • Why: Built-in security features and a robust framework for compliance-driven applications.
  • Alternative: FastAPI (Python) for lightweight and high-performance APIs.


7. Front-End Framework:

  • React or Next.js:

    • Why: Widely adopted, supports dynamic user interfaces, and integrates well with real-time features.
  • Alternative: Vue.js or Angular, depending on developer familiarity.


8. Monitoring and Analytics:

  • Datadog or New Relic:

    • Why: SOC 2-compliant platforms for performance monitoring, error tracking, and log management.
  • Alternative: AWS CloudWatch for seamless integration with other AWS services.


9. Communication and Collaboration:

  • Twilio or Vonage:

    • Why: Real-time messaging and notification services with HIPAA compliance for secure communications.
  • Alternative: SignalWire or AWS Simple Notification Service (SNS).


10. Security and Compliance:

  • Vanta or Drata:

    • Why: Automates SOC 2, HIPAA, and other compliance workflows, ensuring continuous monitoring and readiness for audits.
  • Alternative: Tugboat Logic for streamlined compliance management.


11. Content Delivery Network (CDN):

  • AWS CloudFront:

    • Why: Secure, scalable CDN for delivering content with HIPAA-compliant encryption.
  • Alternative: Akamai or Cloudflare (ensure compliance-specific configurations are enabled).


12. Workflow Automation:

  • Zapier or n8n:

    • Why: HIPAA-compliant automation for integrating various tools and workflows.
  • Alternative: Make (formerly Integromat), if workflows demand complex scenarios.


13. Telehealth/Video Conferencing:

  • Zoom for Healthcare:

    • Why: HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for virtual sessions with patients or therapists.
  • Alternative: Doxy.me or Twilio Video (with HIPAA configuration).


14. Encryption and Key Management:

  • AWS Key Management Service (KMS):

    • Why: Centralized encryption key management to secure sensitive data.
  • Alternative: HashiCorp Vault for more flexible key and secret management.


15. Testing and Deployment:

  • CI/CD Pipeline: GitHub Actions, CircleCI, or GitLab CI for secure and efficient code deployment.

  • Containerization: Docker for isolating applications, with Kubernetes for managing clusters (ensure HIPAA-compliant configurations).


This tech stack aligns with Chi'Va’s mission to provide trauma-responsive mental health support while maintaining regulatory compliance, security, and user experience excellence.

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