Health Information Personnel Practice Test

Which law mandates that healthcare providers must protect patient privacy?

1. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

2. HITECH Act

3. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

4. Social Security Act

The correct answer is: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that mandates healthcare providers to protect patient privacy. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information. It includes provisions that require healthcare entities to implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and security of health information, thereby giving patients greater control over their personal data. Under HIPAA, healthcare providers, health plans, and clearinghouses are required to maintain the privacy of health information and ensure that it is not disclosed without the patient’s consent, except under specific circumstances defined by the law. This framework has been crucial in establishing guidelines for how personal health information is handled, fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers. The other laws mentioned focus on different aspects of healthcare. The HITECH Act aims to promote the adoption of health information technology, particularly electronic health records, and includes provisions for data breach notifications. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act focuses on expanding access to health insurance and improving healthcare delivery. The Social Security Act primarily deals with social insurance programs including Social Security and Medicare, rather than patient privacy protections.