HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is a federal law enacted in 1996 that establishes rules and regulations to protect the privacy and security of patients' personal health information. HIPAA sets guidelines for the use and disclosure of protected health information by healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also gives patients certain rights regarding their health information, such as the right to access and request corrections to their medical records. HIPAA aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system while safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality.
