Which law required the Department of Health and Human Services to establish standards for protected health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as HIPAA, is the law that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish standards for the protection of health information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA was primarily designed to improve the portability of health insurance and the efficiency of the healthcare system, but a significant aspect of this legislation is its commitment to safeguarding sensitive patient information.

HIPAA set forth regulations that govern the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). These regulations include stringent rules on who can access health information, how it can be shared, and the rights of patients to protect their own health data. By establishing these standards, HIPAA aims to ensure that individuals’ medical information remains confidential and secure, addressing critical concerns in the health industry regarding patient privacy.

The other options listed do not directly pertain to the establishment of standards for protected health information. The Health Care Quality Improvement Act primarily focuses on improving the quality of care and reducing medical malpractice, while the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aims to expand access to healthcare and address health insurance coverage. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act reforms Medicare payment structures but does not specifically address the standards of protected health information.