What does the acronym HIPAA stand for?

The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 and serves several important purposes in the realm of healthcare. Primarily, it protects patient privacy by setting standards for the handling of patient medical information. Additionally, it ensures that individuals can maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs, which is where the "portability" aspect comes into play.

The significance of understanding HIPAA is critical for healthcare providers, including CNAs, because compliance is mandatory, and breaches of confidentiality can lead to severe penalties. The law also outlines the rights patients have regarding their personal health information, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of medical records.