What does HIPAA stand for?

The correct expansion of HIPAA is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law was enacted in 1996 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, particularly in the management of patient data. It aims to safeguard patient privacy and protect health information while facilitating the portability of health insurance coverage for employees.

The act includes guidelines for the protection of confidential and sensitive patient health information, ensuring that patient records are not disclosed without consent. This aspect of accountability is a critical feature of HIPAA, making sure that both healthcare providers and insurers adhere to strict confidentiality standards. The focus on "portability" refers to the ability of individuals to maintain their health insurance coverage when they change jobs, thus ensuring continuous access to healthcare services.

In contrast, the other options do not represent the correct terminology or the fundamental objectives associated with HIPAA, emphasizing the importance of understanding the correct definition and significance of the act in the context of healthcare and patient rights.