What does HIPAA protect?

HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is primarily concerned with safeguarding protected health information (PHI). This type of information includes any data that can identify an individual and relates to their physical or mental health, the provision of health care to them, or the payment for health care. The scope of HIPAA's protections extends specifically to information that is created or received by healthcare providers, health plans, and other healthcare-related entities, ensuring such information is kept confidential and secure.

Understanding HIPAA’s focus on PHI is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient privacy in healthcare settings. This regulatory framework helps ensure that sensitive health information is not disclosed without the patient’s consent, thus enhancing trust in healthcare systems. The act also outlines the rights individuals have regarding their health information, including the right to access their records and request corrections, reinforcing the significance of personal privacy in health matters.