HIPAA Privacy Rule Definition

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was implemented in 1996. The HIPAA Privacy Rule provides regulations for the protection of patient health care information. This privacy rule provides the requirements for using personal health information.

Patients

• Patients are able to control how their health care information is used as a result of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Patients must sign a release of information form to provide permission for their health care information to be shared with others. The privacy rule assures that patient medical records are managed properly.

Professionals

• Health care professionals are required to follow strict guidelines to protect a patient's private information. Professional use of health records has boundaries that are beneficial in keeping information solely for the purpose of providing high-quality health care. Wrongful disclosure of patient medical information is prohibited by law, and subject to fines and or imprisonment.

Guide

• A comprehensive guide to compliance can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The disclosure of health care information should be minimized to prevent possible violations.