Question

One reason that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created is to:

(A) Make sure nursing assistants receive adequate pay
(B) Protect privacy of health information
(C) Ensure that care procedures are performed properly
(D) Prevent abuse of residents

Answer 1

HIPAA was created to protect the privacy of health information, mandating strict confidentiality for patient records held by health-related organizations and setting standards for electronic health information.

Step-by-step explanation:

One reason that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created is to protect the privacy of health information. This legislation, passed in 1996, sets standards to ensure that personal health information is kept confidential. It mandates that organizations handling health-related data, such as healthcare providers and insurance companies, maintain strict policies to safeguard patient records and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

Moreover, HIPAA is significant amidst the increasing digitization of medical records, such as with the introduction of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). By setting privacy and security requirements for electronic health information, HIPAA aims to foster trust in health technology while facilitating better healthcare delivery and coordination.