Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

The Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule also gives individuals rights over their health information, like getting a copy of their records and seeking correction. The Rule applies to 3 types of HIPAA covered entities, like health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically to safeguard protected health information (PHI) entrusted to them.

For more information on HIPAA, visit hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html