The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), enacted in 1996, is a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States that safeguards the privacy and security of an individual’s health information.
HIPAA establishes national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The Act applies to all forms of protected health information (PHI), whether electronic, paper, or oral.
HIPAA compliance is mandatory for all healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and business associates of those entities that deal with PHI.
The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule enforces HIPAA regulations by requiring entities and their business associates subject to HIPAA to report any breaches of Protected Health Information (PHI).
HIPAA ensures the confidentiality and security of patient health information, which is fundamental in maintaining patient trust. Among other things, HIPAA