HIPAA: Privacy and Security Rules The Computer, the Nurse, and YouIntroductionHow do you want to keep track of your information file personal health information on your home computer? Electronic data exchange was one of the government's goals to improve the delivery and competence of the American health care system. To achieve this plan, the US Congress adopted regulations that will direct its implementation. The Department of Health and Human Services is the branch of government responsible for overseeing the HIPAA rules. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a national public law in the United States that was created to improve health insurability, prevent insurance abuse, and protect the privacy and security of health information. health of a person. Thesis Statement: Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security rules; its coverage and benefits; its development and updates will help an individual understand the law to effectively manage and protect their own personal health record. The advent of computer technology and HIPAA terms associated with the information system will be discussed. Some of the experiences with HIPAA will be shared to give a better picture and understanding of the law. HIPAA: Privacy and Security Rules What is HIPAA? The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was passed by the U.S. Congress to improve the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage; fight against waste, fraud and abuse in health insurance; reduce costs and administrative burdens by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system by standardizing electronic data exchange; and to ensure the pri...... middle of paper......). Privacy and health information technology. Journal of Forensic Medicine, 37(2), 121-149. Retrieved January 28, 2011, from the North Carolina CINAHL DHHS database. (2008). HIPAA Timeline. Retrieved January 20, 2011, from http://hipaa.dhhs.state.nc.us/hipaa2002/whatishipaa/HIPAATimeline.htmlSchmeida, M. (2005). HIPAA of 1996: just an incremental step in overhauling government. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from the American Nursing Association website: http://www.nursingworld.orgSobel, R. (2007). The HIPAA paradox. The confidentiality rule that is not. Hasting Center Report, 37(4), 40-50.US DHHS (2002). Understand HIPAA privacy and security rules. Accessed January 20, 2011, from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.Wisconsin DHHS. (2010). HIPAA Amendments Timeline. Retrieved January 22, 2011 from http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hipaa/Timeline/index.htm