The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that mandated the establishment of national standards to prevent the disclosure of sensitive patient health information without the patient’s consent or knowledge. These standards are intended to protect the privacy of patients.
The Office for Civil Rights is in charge of monitoring compliance with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules (OCR). Learn more about the complaints that have been lodged in relation to concerns regarding protected health information here.
What is the HIPAA rule for medical records?
The Privacy Rule Under HIPAA The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers who conduct certain health care transactions electronically. Its purpose is to establish national standards for the protection of individuals’ medical records and other personal health information.
Who is covered by the security rule under HIPAA?
Who is under the purview of the security rule.The Security Rule applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and any health care provider who transmits health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction for which the Secretary of HHS has adopted standards under HIPAA (collectively referred to as ″covered entities″), as well as to their business associates.In addition, the Security Rule applies to their business associates.
Does HIPAA apply to public health practice?
The website of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)- HIPAA in the United States Department of Health and Human Services is cited in the attached paper under the heading ″Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)– Privacy Rule: Provisions relevant to public health practice.″