What does HIPAA stand for?

The correct answer, which is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, reflects legislation that was enacted to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system and to protect sensitive patient information. Particularly, this act ensures that individuals can maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs. It also introduces important privacy protections for patient information, ensuring that personal health data is kept confidential and secure within the healthcare system.

Understanding HIPAA is crucial for those in the healthcare field, including phlebotomists, as it guides how patient information is managed and shared. Knowing the correct terminology, especially "portability" and "accountability," helps in recognizing the dual focus of the act: allowing individuals to carry their healthcare coverage with them while holding healthcare providers accountable for maintaining the privacy of their patients’ sensitive information.