Which act establishes principles regarding patient privacy and confidentiality of medical information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the federal legislation that establishes key principles regarding patient privacy and the confidentiality of medical information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA sets national standards for protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information. This legislation outlines the rights of patients concerning their medical records and the handling of their personal health information by healthcare providers and insurance companies.

HIPAA mandates safeguards to ensure that individuals' health information is not disclosed without their knowledge and consent. It also stipulates the limits on who can share that information and under what circumstances. This framework is crucial as it balances the need for health information to be accessible for care while ensuring patient confidentiality and trust in the healthcare system.

The other acts mentioned, such as the Social Security Act and the Affordable Care Act, focus on broader aspects of healthcare policy, access, and insurance reform, rather than specifically setting forth principles concerning patient privacy. The Patient Protection Act similarly does not primarily address privacy issues but is more aligned with enhancing patient access to healthcare services.