Which law was implemented to secure healthcare privacy for patients?

Which law was implemented to secure healthcare privacy for patients?

• A. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• B. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• C. Public Health Service Act
• D. Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act

Answer: (B)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that was specifically designed to secure healthcare privacy for patients. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA provides a framework for protecting the confidentiality and security of healthcare information. It established national standards for electronic healthcare transactions and required healthcare providers to safeguard private patient data by implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. HIPAA's Privacy Rule, a key component of the law, gives patients greater control over their personal health information and sets limits on how that information can be used and disclosed. Notably, it also grants patients rights regarding their health information, such as the right to access their medical records and request corrections. While the other options listed play significant roles in the healthcare landscape—such as expanding insurance coverage or addressing public health issues—they do not focus specifically on the privacy and security of patient healthcare information in the way that HIPAA does. Thus, HIPAA stands out as the critical legislation aimed directly at preserving the privacy of patients' health information.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that was specifically designed to secure healthcare privacy for patients. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA provides a framework for protecting the confidentiality and security of healthcare information. It established national standards for electronic healthcare transactions and required healthcare providers to safeguard private patient data by implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

HIPAA's Privacy Rule, a key component of the law, gives patients greater control over their personal health information and sets limits on how that information can be used and disclosed. Notably, it also grants patients rights regarding their health information, such as the right to access their medical records and request corrections.

While the other options listed play significant roles in the healthcare landscape—such as expanding insurance coverage or addressing public health issues—they do not focus specifically on the privacy and security of patient healthcare information in the way that HIPAA does. Thus, HIPAA stands out as the critical legislation aimed directly at preserving the privacy of patients' health information.