HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. law that protects the privacy and security of individuals’ medical records and personal health information (PHI). It sets mandatory standards for healthcare providers and insurers, requiring them to secure PHI. Non-compliance results in fines and legal action.
HIPAA compliance extends to securing electronic PHI. This involves encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.