Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1996. The law was designed to protect the privacy of health information and to ensure that health insurance is portable from one job to another.

HIPAA has four main parts:

* **Health Information Privacy Rule:** This rule establishes a set of national standards for protecting patient health information. The rule requires covered entities to protect patient information by taking reasonable steps to ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
* **Health Insurance Portability Rule:** This rule allows individuals to keep their health insurance coverage when they change jobs or lose their jobs. The rule also prohibits insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.
* **Medical Liability Reform Rule:** This rule limits the amount of money that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits. The rule also establishes a process for resolving medical malpractice claims outside of the courtroom.
* **Administrative Simplification Rule:** This rule establishes a set of standards for electronic health information transactions. The rule also requires covered entities to adopt electronic health records (EHRs) by 2015.

HIPAA has been a controversial law since its enactment. Some critics argue that the law is too burdensome and costly for health care providers. Others argue that the law does not go far enough to protect patient privacy.

Despite the controversy, HIPAA has had a significant impact on the health care industry. The law has helped to improve the privacy of health information and has made it easier for people to keep their health insurance coverage when they change jobs or lose their jobs.

HIPAA is an important law that protects the privacy of health information and ensures that health insurance is portable. The law has had a significant impact on the health care industry and has helped to improve the quality of care for patients.