What does HIPAA stand for?

The correct expansion of HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law, enacted in 1996, serves several crucial functions in the realm of healthcare. It primarily ensures patient privacy and security of health information while also facilitating the portability of health insurance coverage for individuals when they change jobs or experience other life changes.

The significance of HIPAA lies in its comprehensive regulations that protect personal health information, establishing standards for the electronic exchange of data while enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. The focus on security and accountability helps healthcare providers, plans, and institutions maintain patient trust and ensure compliance with ethical standards in handling sensitive information.

The other options do not capture the essence or the primary focus of HIPAA correctly, particularly regarding the aspect of portability of health insurance, which is a key element of the legislation.