What is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that was passed in 1996 to protect the privacy of individuals’ health information. The law applies to health care providers, health plans, health care clearinghouses, and their business associates. In Maryland, HIPAA sets standards for the privacy of health information, including how it can and cannot be used. Under HIPAA, all health care providers and health care plans must ensure the security of the patient’s personally identifiable health information. This means that a patient’s health records must be stored in a secure manner, with any access to the records being monitored and logged. HIPAA also sets standards for the release of protected health information to third parties, such as other health care providers and insurance companies. In order for a health care provider or health plan to release a patient’s health information, they must obtain the patient’s written authorization. HIPAA also requires that health care providers and health plans provide patients with a notice of their privacy practices and their rights to access and review their health information. This notice must be given to the patient at the time of their appointment or visit. HIPAA also sets penalties for violations of all of its provisions. This includes fines and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. Overall, HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy of individuals’ health information and give individuals more control over how their health information is used.
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