HIPAA
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 that establishes standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information. It includes provisions for data privacy and security, requiring healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates to safeguard electronic protected health information (ePHI). The law aims to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health data while allowing for appropriate sharing in healthcare operations.
Developers should learn HIPAA when building or maintaining software that handles healthcare data in the U.S., such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine apps, or health insurance platforms. Understanding HIPAA is crucial for ensuring compliance, avoiding legal penalties, and protecting patient privacy, especially in applications that store, transmit, or process ePHI. It's essential for roles in health tech, fintech with health data, or any company dealing with regulated medical information.
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