What does HIPAA stand for?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal legislation, enacted in 1996, serves two primary purposes: to protect the privacy and security of patients' medical information and to ensure that individuals can maintain their health insurance coverage when they change jobs or experience other life events. By facilitating the transfer of insurance coverage and mandating safeguards for sensitive patient information, HIPAA plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, promoting both patient rights and the smooth functioning of health insurance systems. Understanding this acronym is fundamental for anyone working in the healthcare field, as it underpins many compliance practices and regulations surrounding patient information handling and insurance processes.