Which statement is true about HIPAA?

• A. HIPAA requires public access to patient information.
• B. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guarantees continuity of health insurance, maintains confidentiality of electronic records, and protects the privacy of written and oral information about patients.
• C. HIPAA applies only to large hospitals.
• D. HIPAA repeals confidentiality for electronic records.

Answer: (B)

HIPAA is about protecting health information across all forms and ensuring patients can maintain health coverage when needed. The statement that reflects this is that HIPAA guarantees continuity of health insurance, protects the privacy of written and oral information, and maintains confidentiality of electronic records. This captures the three key elements: portability/continuity of health insurance, the Privacy Rule that safeguards patient information regardless of format, and the Security Rule that protects electronic records.

Understand why the other ideas aren’t correct: HIPAA does not require public access to patient information; it actually restricts access to protect privacy. It applies to more than just large hospitals—it covers all covered entities and their business associates, including many clinics, private practices, and insurers. It does not repeal confidentiality for electronic records; it enshrines confidentiality and imposes safeguards for electronic protected health information.