What does the acronym HIPAA stand for?

The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 to ensure that individuals maintain their health insurance coverage while also safeguarding their medical information. The act establishes standards for the privacy and security of health data, specifically focusing on protecting the confidentiality of individuals' medical records and personal health information. This protection is critical in the healthcare industry, where sensitive information must be handled with utmost care to prevent unauthorized access and ensure patients' rights to privacy.

While the other choices may sound similar, none accurately reflect the full title or intent of the legislation. The focus on portability and accountability in health insurance coverage underscores the act's significance in both allowing individuals to retain their insurance and holding entities accountable for protecting health information.