Bachelor of Health Science Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, enacted in 1996, is fundamental in establishing standards for safeguarding the privacy and security of health information. This legislation introduced several key provisions aimed at ensuring that individuals' health data is adequately protected. It mandates safeguards to enhance the confidentiality of medical records and other personal health information, thus setting a framework within which healthcare providers, insurers, and healthcare clearinghouses must operate.

The law not only governs how patient information is handled but also provides individuals with rights over their own health information, including the right to access and request corrections to their records. This focus on privacy and security has made HIPAA a cornerstone of health information management and patient rights in the United States.

While other legislation mentioned addresses important aspects of healthcare and insurance, they do not primarily focus on the protection of health data like HIPAA does. Therefore, recognizing the specific function and intent of HIPAA is crucial for understanding its significant role in the protection of personal health information.