Which federal law protects the privacy of patients' health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for electronic health care transactions and protects the confidentiality of individuals' medical records and other health information. It mandates the safeguarding of patient records, giving patients rights over their health information, and ensuring that their personal health data is handled with strict confidentiality.

The significance of HIPAA lies in its comprehensive provisions that require healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to implement appropriate safeguards to protect patient information from unauthorized access and disclosure. It also outlines the conditions under which patient information may be shared, ensuring patients have control over who has access to their health data.

Understanding HIPAA is essential for chiropractic professionals as it directly impacts how they manage patient records, communicate with insurance providers, and maintain trust with their clients regarding sensitive health information.