What does HIPAA stand for?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This legislation, enacted in 1996, primarily focuses on two key areas: improving the portability of health insurance for workers and safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals' health information. The act established national standards for the protection of health data and set guidelines for how healthcare entities should manage patient information, promoting both the confidentiality and integrity of health records.

The legislation's emphasis on portability allows individuals to maintain their health insurance coverage when changing jobs, ensuring that pre-existing health conditions do not hinder their access to stable health insurance. Furthermore, the accountability aspect addresses data protection requirements, requiring entities that handle protected health information to adhere to strict security protocols, thereby ensuring that sensitive health information is managed responsibly and respectfully.