Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication method that allows your staff to access Parchment Health's ePrescribing platform using your existing identity management system. Instead of creating and managing separate usernames and passwords for Parchment, your team can log in once through your organisation's system and seamlessly access Parchment alongside your other clinical applications.
What is Single Sign-On?
Single Sign-On is a centralised authentication system that enables users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. In healthcare, this means your clinicians can move between your practice management system, electronic health records, and Parchment's ePrescribing tools without repeatedly entering passwords.
How SSO Works with Parchment Health
When you integrate SSO with Parchment Health, the authentication process works like this:
User initiates login: A staff member attempts to access Parchment Health through your system or directly through the Parchment interface.
Authentication request: Parchment redirects the user to your organisation's identity provider (such as Auth0, Microsoft Azure AD, or another SAML 2.0-compatible system) to verify their identity.
Identity verification: Your identity provider checks the user's credentials and confirms they are authorised to access Parchment.
Secure token exchange: Once verified, your identity provider sends an encrypted authentication token to Parchment confirming the user's identity and access permissions.
Access granted: Parchment receives the authentication token and grants the user access to the platform without requiring a separate Parchment password.
This entire process typically happens in seconds, creating a seamless experience for your staff.
Technical Standards
Parchment Health's SSO integration uses SAML 2.0 (Security Assertion Markup Language), an industry-standard protocol for secure authentication. While the system is optimised for Auth0, it's designed with flexibility to work with other identity providers and SSO partners, ensuring broad compatibility with enterprise environments.
Benefits of SSO Integration
Improved workflow efficiency: Clinical staff can access ePrescribing capabilities without interrupting their workflow to remember additional passwords or switching between different login screens.
Enhanced security: SSO reduces password-related vulnerabilities by eliminating the need for staff to create, remember, and potentially reuse passwords across multiple systems. All authentication is managed through your organisation's central security protocols.
Simplified user management: When you add new staff or change someone's role, you can manage their access to Parchment through your existing identity management system. When someone leaves your organisation, disabling their account automatically removes their Parchment access.
Audit compliance: SSO provides centralised logging of who accessed Parchment and when, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements and conduct security audits.
Getting Started
To implement SSO with Parchment Health, you'll need:
An identity provider that supports SAML 2.0 authentication
Administrator access to your identity management system
Coordination between your IT team and Parchment's support team
For detailed technical documentation on configuring SSO for your organisation, please apply for API access below: