Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, Scope of Protected Health Information, and Privacy Impact

Overview and Legislative Foundation

In today’s environment, the confidentiality of medical information has become increasingly vital. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in the United States to maintain its integrity on August 21, 1966 (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Firstly, it establishes the Secretary of Health’s responsibilities, the implementation of which will help further compliance with the law.

Specifically, the Secretary must have promulgated electronic health record exchange, privacy, and security rules (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). These are collectively referred to as the Administrative Simplification Rules. Suppose Congress has not adopted the Privacy Act within three years. In that case, there is a requirement to issue rules for identifying health information (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).

There have likewise been several amendments and changes over the years. The final version was published on August 14, 2002, and is still in effect (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). HIPAA’s contribution is hard to overstate as it protects citizens’ most vital personal information.

Protected Health Information and Its Scope

The concept of protected health information is quite broad and includes multiple items. Protected health information (PHI) is any health or healthcare information associated with a patient (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). This information is created, received, maintained, or shared by a concealed commodity or a covered entity’s business associate.

PHI includes medical records, laboratory test results, medical images, and payment information (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). It retains any other information that identifies the patient or can be used to reasonably identify them. It includes name, address, date of birth, and social security number (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Regardless of the form in which the information is stored and whether it is past, future, or present, all information, including payment for services, must not be disclosed.

It is equally vital to understand the scope of the law and comprehend to whom it applies. HIPAA applies to insured entities, which include health care providers, health plans, and health information clearinghouses, as well as their business associates who process health information on their behalf (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). The Act grants patients certain rights concerning their health information, including the right to access, request corrections, and monitor the use and disclosure of their health information. It requires covered entities to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Any third-party administrators, data repository providers, consultants, and subcontractors must not access the information without consent.

Impact on Patient Privacy and Health Care

Patient medical information is critical to the delivery of appropriate care and treatment. It includes the patient’s medical history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and test results, among other things. This information is usually stored in electronic medical records or paper records and is shared among medical providers to guarantee that patients obtain adequate care.

However, medical information is sensitive and personal, and its confidentiality must be guaranteed. The security of medical information is more important than ever because of the increasing use of digital systems to manage and share patient data. In a hospital environment, patients must be assured that the data they have given will not be disclosed to anyone else.

Therefore, HIPAA is very important because it protects patient privacy and prevents unauthorized access, theft, or misuse of this data (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). When medical information falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to insurance fraud and other criminal activity. It can harm patients by revealing their health conditions and treatment methods. That is why the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is in place, and its role cannot be overstated.

Reference

US Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Web.