HIPAA compliance refers to the adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), a United States federal law that creates national standards to protect sensitive patient health information, known as protected health information (PHI), that is handled by certain individuals and “covered entities” subject to HIPAA law.
HIPAA compliance is crucial because it ensures the privacy, confidentiality, and security of PHI, safeguarding it from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It promotes trust in the healthcare system and empowers patients with control over their health information. HIPAA compliance is also essential for healthcare providers and organizations to avoid substantial fines and penalties for non-compliance.