ANSWERS: 1
  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly referred to as HIPAA, is a law that governs how patient information is used by patients, doctors and health care workers. It also protects workers by allowing them to keep health insurance when they change jobs, as well as giving tax deductions for medical insurance.

    History

    Passed into law in 1996, the HIPAA regulations took effect at various dates, but all provisions were in effect by May 23, 2007. They cover a wide range of entities, and were enacted to protect privacy in the health care industry (HIPAA Title II), along with expanding and ensuring the portability of health insurance (HIPAA Title I).

    Provisions

    HIPAA Title II provides for limits on how and when a patient's medical information can be used. Designed to both reduce fraudulent medical expenses and protect the privacy of patients, HIPAA Title II controls access to a patient's records and provides for punishments for those who violate the law. HIPAA Title I provides for workers to keep their health insurance when changing jobs.

    Applicability

    HIPPA Title II applies to health care plans, health care providers and health care clearinghouses that process nonstandard health information they receive from another entity into a standard (i.e., standard electronic format or data content), or vice versa. HIPAA Title I applies primarily to group health insurance plans and pre-existing conditions.

    Transcriptionists

    Medical transcriptionists are generally not covered directly by HIPAA Title II regulations, but since most of these personnel or the companies they work for are engaged in servicing entities that are covered by HIPAA, they can be required to abide by HIPAA regulations.

    Punishments

    Any company or individual that violates HIPAA provisions may be subject to punishment. These can include fines and possible jail terms for anyone who refuses to comply with the regulations.

    Source:

    Department of Housing and Human Services: Understanding HIPAA

    HIPAA: What Who and When?

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