the HIPPA Privacy Rule and the HIPPA Security Rule
The legislation that ensures the protection of patient health information by providing confidentiality, privacy, and security are the HIPPA Privacy Rule and the HIPPA Security Rule. These legislations were formed by the department of health and human services. The HIPPA Privacy rule sets national standards that all health facilities, healthcare providers, insurers, and other parties that might handle patients’ personal health information must comply with or face the harsh penalties. The Rules call for appropriate protection of privacy and confidentiality of personal health information. It also sets limits and circumstances under which patient health information can be disclosed.
On the other hand, the HIPPA Security Rule sets standards to safeguard people’s electronic health information, which is often created, used, receive, and maintained by a firm. It outlines the administrative, physical, and technical safeguard requirements for firms to ensure that such information remains confidential, secure, safe, and of high integrity. Besides, Rules give patients autonomy and right over their health information at any time. The Office of Civil Rights within the human health services is responsible for ensuring full enforcement of HIPPA Privacy and Security Rules. It also ensures compliance and penalizes firms and individuals who do not comply.
The HIPPA Privacy and Security Rules outline what is expected of every organization and individuals (security and privacy standards) regarding patient health information. Thus, firms know what is expected from them and that which awaits them in case of non-compliance. Also, HIPPA facilitates privacy and confidentiality training and empowers organizations as a way to promote their compliance. All these motivate and put organizations at excellent positions to comply with the Rules and avoid penalties.