Privacy, Confidentiality, HIPAA, and HITECH: Implications for the Health Care Practitioner

The duty to maintain a patient's health records dates back to the 4th century BC. Within the health care system, privacy and confidentiality are a part of the provider's requirements for quality health care. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 addresses the privacy and security of health care records. Title I ensures insurance portability, while Title II requires the use of national guidelines for electronic health communication. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provisions to address health information technology for economic and clinical health. Nurse practitioners must understand both laws.