Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What does HIPAA stand for?

1. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

2. Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act

3. Health Insurance Protection Act

4. Health Information Portability Assistance Act

The correct answer is: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, primarily through the facilitation of the portability of health insurance and the protection of patients' health information. The "portability" aspect refers to the ability of individuals to maintain their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs. Simultaneously, the "accountability" aspect emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal health information, setting national standards for the protection of health information privacy. The other choices suggest variations of what HIPAA could mean, but they do not accurately reflect the purpose and focus of the law. For example, while health information and privacy are critical aspects of HIPAA, the terms used in the other options do not align with the official name and intent of the Act as established in legislation.