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What Is a HIPAA Violation & What Does HIPAA Stand For?

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This law protects the privacy of individuals' identifiable health records and determines who can access such records and for what purpose.

  1. Description

    • A HIPAA violation involves any accidental or willful misuse of an individual's health information by a health care entity or practitioner. (see reference 1)

    History

    • HIPAA was enacted by Congress in 1996 and requires health care entities to use standardized forms and universal codes for health information. (see reference 3)

    Types

    • HIPAA violations may involve misuse of information in medical records, health insurance files, billing information at clinics and conversations held between doctors and nurses regarding an individual's care. (see reference 2)

    Importance

    • The creation of HIPAA has enhanced the privacy of medical records by holding the medical profession accountable for how patient information is managed.

    Considerations

    • The Department of Health and Human Services can choose to restrict medical providers that are not compliant with HIPAA from participating in the Medicare program. (see reference 1)

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