Final answer:
The HITECH Act has enhanced HIPAA by strengthening the privacy and security requirements for electronic medical records and increasing penalties for non-compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act has affected the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by strengthening privacy and security provisions.
The HITECH Act specifically increased the obligations on healthcare providers and businesses associated with maintaining the confidentiality and security of electronic medical records (EMRs).
It also introduced penalties for non-compliance, thereby reinforcing the privacy protections originally mandated by HIPAA.