National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

Which law primarily protects the privacy of individual health information?

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

3. Affordable Care Act (ACA)

4. Patient Protection Act

The correct answer is: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that primarily protects the privacy of individual health information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring individuals’ medical records and other personal health information are properly safeguarded. One of the key provisions of HIPAA is the Privacy Rule, which sets standards for how health care providers, health plans, and other entities handle and disclose protected health information (PHI). This rule requires that individuals have certain rights over their health information, including the right to access their records and request corrections. By enforcing these privacy standards, HIPAA aims to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of personal health information, which is essential in building trust between patients and healthcare providers. This legal framework is fundamental in the health sector, especially as electronic health records become more prevalent. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for professionals in therapeutic recreation and related fields, as they often handle sensitive health information about their clients.