Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The US Government passed HIPAA legislation in 1996.

The purpose of HIPAA is threefold:

  • Increase access to healthcare
  • Reduce fraud and abuse
  • Protect Health Information.

Who is impacted by HIPAA?

  • Federal regulations require “Covered Entities” to be in full compliance with HIPAA regulations by April 14, 2003.

What is a “covered entity”

  • Health plans
  • Health care clearing houses
  • Health care providers who transmit any health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction covered by HIPAA. (Example: claims, remittance advice; and fund transfers).