What does HIPAA stand for?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This legislation was enacted in 1996 to address the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. It serves several important functions, including protecting a patient's medical records and other sensitive health information from being disclosed without their consent or knowledge.

HIPAA sets national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring that patients maintain control over their personal health information while also facilitating the flow of that information as necessary for healthcare provision. Specifically, "portability" refers to the ability to maintain health insurance coverage during life changes, such as jobs or moving between states, while "accountability" emphasizes the need for entities handling health data to adhere to strict guidelines concerning data protection and privacy. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for anyone working in healthcare, as it encompasses vital practices and procedures designed to protect patient confidentiality and ensure data security.