What does the acronym HIPAA stand for?

The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law, enacted in 1996, was designed primarily to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical records and other personal health information. It includes provisions that ensure that health insurance coverage is maintained for individuals who change jobs or experience other life changes, hence emphasizing the "Portability" aspect.

The act establishes national standards for electronic healthcare transactions and requires safeguards for protected health information (PHI), promoting accountability among healthcare providers and insurers. Understanding HIPAA is essential for professionals in health information management, as it establishes critical guidelines for compliance and ethical management of patient data.