What does HIPAA stand for?

The correct answer is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This legislation, enacted in 1996, primarily aims to protect patient privacy and confidentiality while ensuring that individuals maintain access to their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs. The act established standards for the protection of health information and set rules for its use and disclosure by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities.

The components included in the name highlight the core aspects of the legislation: "Portability" refers to the ability of individuals to move their health insurance from one employer to another without losing coverage, while "Accountability" emphasizes the need for healthcare entities to maintain and protect patient information responsibly. This act plays a crucial role in securing patient rights and ensuring their information remains confidential, a responsibility that healthcare providers and organizations must adhere to.