The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 to safeguard individuals' health information and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system. The Act sets standards for the protection and secure handling of sensitive health information, known as protected health information (PHI), by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities handling health data.
The HIPAA plays a critical role in protecting the confidentiality and security of individuals' health information in the United States. It enhances patients' privacy rights and promotes the secure exchange of health information while encouraging healthcare entities to implement robust safeguards to prevent unauthorised access or breaches of sensitive health data.
HIPAA was enacted in 1996 and has been implemented in phases over the years, with significant updates including the addition of the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013 to address changes related to technology and health information exchanges. The act remains a dynamic part of the U.S. healthcare system, constantly evolving to address new challenges in health information protection.
