Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets standards for the confidentiality, security, and integrity of Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI is any information about an individual's health or healthcare that is created, used, or disclosed by a healthcare provider, health plan, or other healthcare-related entity. This can include medical records, diagnoses, treatment plans, and billing information.

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HIPAA applies to covered entities, such as hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies, as well as their business associates, who handle PHI on behalf of the covered entities. HIPAA requires covered entities to implement safeguards to protect the privacy of PHI, and imposes penalties for HIPAA violations, such as fines and criminal charges.

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In addition to protecting the privacy of individuals, HIPAA also gives individuals certain rights with respect to their PHI. These include the right to request copies of their medical records, and to request that their PHI be amended or corrected. HIPAA also requires covered entities to provide individuals with a Notice of Privacy Practices, which explains their rights and the covered entity's obligations under HIPAA.

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Overall, HIPAA is a federal law that sets standards for the confidentiality, security, and integrity of PHI. It applies to covered entities and their business associates, and gives individuals certain rights with respect to their health information. HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and ensure that their health information is handled in a responsible and secure manner.

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