Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Which federal law governs the privacy of health information in nursing facilities?

1. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

2. Nursing Home Reform Act

3. Social Security Act

4. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The correct answer is: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the federal law that specifically addresses the privacy and security of health information in healthcare settings, including nursing facilities. HIPAA establishes national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. This law applies to health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers who transmit any health information in electronic form. In the context of nursing homes, HIPAA enables residents to have control over their own health information, assures them that their data will be kept confidential, and provides them with rights to access their health records. Nursing facilities must comply with HIPAA regulations to safeguard resident information, which includes proper training for staff, implementing secure electronic systems, and establishing policies for the handling of medical records. Other laws listed, such as the Nursing Home Reform Act, focus more on the quality of care and resident rights rather than directly addressing the privacy of health information. The Social Security Act deals with social welfare and healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, while the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act primarily focuses on health insurance coverage and cost, rather than the privacy aspect of health information. Therefore, HIPAA is the law that directly relates to the protection of health information privacy in nursing facilities.