Which federal law regulates patient privacy and the sharing of health information in the US?

• A. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• B. FERPA
• C. ADA
• D. FMLA

Answer: (A)

Protecting patient privacy and how health information can be shared is governed by a federal law that sets national standards for who may access health data and what can be disclosed. The HIPAA Privacy Rule defines what counts as protected health information, the purposes for which disclosure is allowed (such as treatment, payment, and health care operations), and the requirement to use only the minimum necessary information. It also gives patients rights to access their records, request corrections, and receive confidential communications. For CHWs and others handling health information, this means sharing only with authorized individuals and limiting data exposure to what is needed. HIPAA also requires safeguards to protect data and outlines penalties for improper use or disclosure.

FERPA protects the privacy of student education records within schools and higher education, not the general health care system. The Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on preventing discrimination and ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities rather than regulating health information privacy. The Family and Medical Leave Act addresses leave rights related to family or medical reasons, not the privacy or sharing of health data.