CAVIT Direct Care Worker Fundamentals Practice Exam

What does HIPAA stand for?

1. Health Insurance Privacy Act

2. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act

3. Health Integration Protection and Accessibility Act

4. Health Inspector's Privacy and Accountability Act

The correct answer is: Health Information Portability and Accountability Act

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law, enacted in 1996, was designed to protect patients' medical records and other personal health information. One of its primary goals is to ensure the confidentiality and security of healthcare information, establishing clear standards for how healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other entities share and manage patient data. The act has three main components: it facilitates the transfer of health insurance for workers when they change jobs, mandates the protection of patient information, and establishes standards for electronic healthcare transactions. This combination of factors makes HIPAA a critical element in the healthcare system, ensuring that patients' privacy is maintained while allowing for necessary data sharing among healthcare professionals.