What does HIPAA stand for?

The term HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system, primarily by standardizing electronic patient health information. A key aspect of HIPAA is its emphasis on protecting patient privacy and securing sensitive health information from unauthorized access. The law outlines protections for individuals' medical records and other personal health information, enhances the ability of individuals to transfer their health insurance coverage from one job to another, and sets standards for electronic health care transactions. This reflects the essential components of portability and accountability within the healthcare system, ensuring that individuals have control over their health information while also promoting a streamlined communication process between healthcare providers.