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Definition: HIPAA

HIPAA: (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) legislation to improve access to health care services and insurance, promote the transfer of health care information electronically, reduce fraud, and ease the administration of health care programs. Health insurance portability (HIPAA Title I) provides continued health insurance coverage for people as they transition from job to job. Electronic transfer and protection of health information (HIPAA Title II) sets standards for the storage and protection of health information, as well as the transfer of information between health care organizations.