Title: Explain the importance of HIPAA.
Course: Respiratory Therapy I (14061-I) > Section: Applying Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities to Clinical Practice

Explanation should include the following concepts related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA):

- HIPAA refers to the federal privacy standards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.
- HIPAA standards were developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and may be accessed through their website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa).

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to maintain patient confidentiality?
- What are the risks to patient confidentiality?
- How are medical records protected?