Which law specifically governs the privacy of health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the specific law that governs the privacy of health information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information, ensuring that patients' medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential and secure.

It sets forth regulations regarding how healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates must handle personal health information, granting patients rights over their information, including how it may be shared and accessed. HIPAA's Privacy Rule outlines the permissible uses and disclosures of health information while also mandating safeguards to protect it from unauthorized access.

This law is integral to maintaining trust within healthcare systems, as individuals can feel secure that their sensitive health information will be handled appropriately. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for anyone working in healthcare environments, including nursing assistants, as compliance ensures protection of patient rights and confidentiality.

The other laws mentioned, while related to health care in various capacities, do not focus specifically on the privacy aspects of health information as clearly as HIPAA does.