Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which governmental agency wrote the details of the Privacy Rule?

1. Department of Health and Human Services

2. Food and Drug Administration

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4. National Institutes of Health

The correct answer is: Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services is the governmental agency responsible for writing the details of the Privacy Rule, which is a pivotal regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This rule was established to implement the provisions related to the protection of individuals' medical records and personal health information. The Department of Health and Human Services oversees the enforcement of HIPAA regulations and has the authority to create the specifics of the Privacy Rule, outlining how healthcare providers, insurers, and other covered entities must handle and safeguard protected health information (PHI). The other options refer to agencies that have different roles within the healthcare and regulatory system. The Food and Drug Administration primarily focuses on the safety and efficacy of drugs, food, and medical devices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is mainly concerned with public health and disease prevention, while the National Institutes of Health conducts medical research. Each of these agencies plays important roles but does not have the authority to write the regulations concerning the privacy of health information like the Department of Health and Human Services does.