The Federal Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA Privacy Rule of 1996: A Comparison

While health care providers have a long tradition of safeguarding private health information, protection of patient rights has recently been at the forefront of discussion. The old system of storing private patient information in locked filing cabinets is no longer practical or feasible - modern technology now allows for the rapid transmission of medical information electronically. However, along with this ease of sharing come new concerns regarding the confidentiality and protection of patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule of 1996 provides clear standards for protection of personal health information or Protected Health Information (PHI).