The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a United States federal law passed by Congress in 1996 to help protect the privacy and security of health information. HIPAA applies to:

• Health plans (such as health insurance companies)
• Health care clearinghouses (such as billing companies)
• Health care providers (including doctors, hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies)

The final rule, issued in 2013, is intended to strengthen the privacy and security protection for individuals’ health information, including genetic information, which is maintained in electronic health records and other formats. Covered entities and business associates must comply with the applicable requirements of this final rule. 

Intended Audience: All health care personnel

Learning Objectives

• Define HIPAA.
• Define “covered entities” and “business associates” and list which individuals, groups, or organizations are included in each category.
• Explain what is meant by protected health information, who is authorized to view this information, and safeguards to prevent      unauthorized access.
• Be able to apply HIPAA privacy and security requirements to your daily clinical responsibilities.

This course has been approved for P.A.C.E.® credit. There are no prerequisites for this course.