What does HIPAA stand for?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This legislation was enacted in 1996 and plays a vital role in the healthcare sector by protecting sensitive patient information. One of its main objectives is to ensure that individuals can maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs, thus addressing the "portability" aspect of health insurance.

Additionally, HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of protected health information (PHI) to enhance privacy and security. This is crucial in maintaining patients' trust and ensuring that their health information is kept confidential. The use of "Accountability" in the title reflects the law's intent to hold healthcare providers and organizations accountable for safeguarding patient information, ensuring compliance with privacy standards, and imposing penalties for violations.