Which document is designed to protect patient privacy and regulate the handling of health information?

Which document is designed to protect patient privacy and regulate the handling of health information?

• A. FERPA
• B. HIPAA
• C. GDPR
• D. Data Privacy Act

Answer: (B)

HIPAA is the standard built specifically to protect patient privacy and regulate how health information is handled. It establishes clear rules about what health information (PHI) can be used or disclosed, and it gives patients rights over their records, such as access and the ability to request amendments. It also requires safeguards for electronic PHI through the Security Rule and sets obligations for notifying patients and authorities if a breach occurs. The rules apply to covered entities like healthcare providers and health plans, and to their business associates, with penalties for non-compliance. Because these provisions are purpose-built for protecting health information in care settings, HIPAA is the most appropriate choice. FERPA protects education records, GDPR is EU-wide data protection not specific to health care in the US, and the Data Privacy Act is a more general privacy law not focused on health information.

HIPAA is the standard built specifically to protect patient privacy and regulate how health information is handled. It establishes clear rules about what health information (PHI) can be used or disclosed, and it gives patients rights over their records, such as access and the ability to request amendments. It also requires safeguards for electronic PHI through the Security Rule and sets obligations for notifying patients and authorities if a breach occurs. The rules apply to covered entities like healthcare providers and health plans, and to their business associates, with penalties for non-compliance. Because these provisions are purpose-built for protecting health information in care settings, HIPAA is the most appropriate choice. FERPA protects education records, GDPR is EU-wide data protection not specific to health care in the US, and the Data Privacy Act is a more general privacy law not focused on health information.