What does HIPAA stand for?

The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This legislation was enacted in 1996 to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, particularly in terms of privacy and security protections for patients’ health information. The act provides individuals with rights over their health information and sets rules that healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities must follow to safeguard this data.

The focus on "portability" refers to the ability of individuals to maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs, while "accountability" emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive health information from improper use and disclosure. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure compliance with regulations regarding patient confidentiality and to empower patients with rights regarding their personal health information.