In what year was the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) enacted into law?

The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted into law in 1996. This legislation was significant as it aimed to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. The law established standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for providers, health plans, and employers. HIPAA also includes provisions for safeguarding medical records and other personal health information, ensuring that individuals' rights regarding their health data are respected and protected. Understanding when HIPAA was enacted is key in recognizing the evolution of health information privacy and security regulations in the United States.