Why Did Congress Enact HIPAA Privacy?

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) was enacted by Congress on August 21, 1996, under the administration of President Bill Clinton.

Privacy

• The HIPAA Privacy & Security website reports Congress enacted the HIPAA privacy legislation to protect medical information. The act was brought to Congress because the use of computer and automated systems had increased the opportunity for health insurance fraud.

Rules

• HIPAA privacy rules allowed the standardization of privacy rules that varied around the U.S. prior to HIPAA. The HIPAA Privacy & Security website reports regulations prior to HIPAA varied by state and health organization.

Abuse

• HIPAA Privacy & Security explains that automated medical collection and storage increased the opportunity for abuse. HIPAA limited access to the medical records of an individual to the staff involved in treating the individual.