HIPAA -- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

On August 21, 1996, the 104th Congress of the U.S. approved Public Law 104-191 "to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes."

HIPAA in the News: