The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that specifically addresses the protection of patient data from inappropriate disclosure and the safeguarding of patient information systems from unauthorized access. HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information, ensuring that personal health information is properly handled and secured.
Under HIPAA, healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities that deal with healthcare information are required to implement safeguards to protect patient data. This includes both physical and technical safeguards, as well as policies and procedures for managing and disclosing health information. The act empowers patients by granting them rights over their health information, including the right to access their records and request corrections.
By setting these requirements, HIPAA helps ensure the confidentiality and security of patient information in a healthcare setting, which is essential for building trust between patients and healthcare providers.