Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily govern?

1. Patient education standards

2. Disclosure of medical information

3. Health care provider licensure

4. Insurance premium rates

The correct answer is: Disclosure of medical information

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily governs the disclosure of medical information. This landmark legislation was enacted to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. It establishes rules and standards for healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities that handle medical records, ensuring that personal health information is not disclosed without the individual's consent. Under HIPAA, patients have rights regarding their health information, including the right to access their records and to have their information kept confidential. This focus on the protection and privacy of medical data is what distinguishes HIPAA from other regulations relating to healthcare or insurance practices.