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HIPAA

By Trisha Torrey, About.com

Updated October 19, 2007

Definition:

Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, mandated by the federal government of the United States which took effect in April 2003. It is intended to protect patients' medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. It was developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

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Common Misspellings: HIPPA, HIPA
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