What does HIPAA stand for?

The correct answer for what HIPAA stands for is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 and is designed to ensure that individuals’ health information is properly protected and secured while also facilitating the flow of health information needed to provide and coordinate high-quality healthcare.

The significance of the term "portability" in HIPAA refers to the aspect of the law that allows individuals to maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs. "Accountability" emphasizes the regulations put in place to safeguard personal health information and ensure that individuals' rights to privacy are respected.

The other options present variations that do not accurately reflect the official name of the act. Even though they may sound similar, using "privacy" or "protection" instead of "portability" misrepresents a key component of the law's purpose. Understanding the correct acronym is essential for anyone practicing in healthcare compliance, as it underpins the legal obligations that healthcare entities must adhere to regarding patient information.