What is HIPAA and Regulations?

What is HIPAA?

The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of privacy regulations known collectively as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). These regulations are designed to protect the privacy rights of individuals with regard to their confidential medical records. The act greatly restricts the dissemination and transmittal of personal patient information and will dramatically affect the way healthcare information is handled.

Who do the HIPAA Regulations Apply to?

HIPAA regulations have been crafted to have broad application. The provisions of the Act extend to all health care plans, health care providers who transmit health records in an electronic format, and health care clearinghouses and billing companies. The bill refers to these organizations as “Covered Entities”. Ultimately, however, almost everyone will be affected in one way or another by these regulations, which will impact both consumers and providers of health care services.