Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which component of HIPAA focuses on protecting patient health information?

1. Title I

2. Title II

3. Title III

4. Title IV

The correct answer is: Title II

The component of HIPAA that concentrates on the protection of patient health information is Title II. This title primarily addresses the privacy and security of health information by establishing regulations and standards for the handling and safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI). Title II includes the Privacy Rule, which sets forth the standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information, and the Security Rule, which specifies the safeguards that must be in place to protect electronic PHI. These rules not only govern how healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities involved in healthcare manage and share health information but also grant patients certain rights over their own health information. In contrast, Title I mainly pertains to health insurance reform and ensures that individuals do not lose their health insurance coverage when they change or lose their jobs. Title III focuses on the establishment of standards for healthcare transactions, while Title IV addresses the requirements for group health plans related to pre-existing conditions and tax-related health care provisions. Thus, Title II is the core component concerning the security and privacy of patient health information within HIPAA.