
What Does HIPAA Stand For?
HIPAA, pronounced as "hip-ah," is a term that often floats around in conversations about healthcare privacy and data protection. But what does it actually stand for, and why does it matter to healthcare providers and patients alike? HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law passed in 1996. It was designed to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. In this article, we'll delve into the nuts and bolts of HIPAA, its components, its relevance, and how it applies to modern healthcare practices.