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What Does HIPAA Stand For?
HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It was formed in 1996. The rule was designed,
but not limited to, protecting patient health information
Who Must Be HIPAA compliant?
The HIPAA Rules apply to two groups: Covered Entities and Business Associates. A covered entity is denoted as:
individual and/or health group plan(s), health care facilities, clearinghouse and/or health care providers who
transmits any health information in electronic form hereunder must summit to maintaining the confidentiality of all
individually identifiable information. Examples of covered Medical entities:
♦ Health Plan Organizations
♦ Health Care Clearinghouse
♦ Healthcare providers
♦ Business associates [ extension of previous who care, service or supplies PHI]
A Business Associate is any person or entity that performs direct and/or indirect functions or activities pursuant
to the care of an individually identifiable information on behalf of or to a covered entity. A business Associates (one
who has access and/or provides service to PHI) are:
♦ Attorney
♦ IT providers
♦ Pharmacists/Laboratories
♦ Medical billing & Coding Services
♦ CPAs
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