What does the acronym HIPAA stand for?

The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 and establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information. It ensures that patient data is kept confidential and secure, while also giving patients rights over their information.

The focus of HIPAA is both on the portability of health insurance—making it easier for individuals to maintain their health insurance as they change jobs—and on accountability by setting standards for processing and protecting sensitive patient information. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for professionals working in the healthcare field, as it outlines compliance requirements that safeguard patient privacy and establish protocols for managing health information effectively.