Write 5-8 sentence summarizing the purpose of hipaa. (health insurance portability and accountability act)

HIPAA or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a legislation in the United States of America that gives American citizens data privacy and security for the medical information. Recently, it has been highlighted in the advent of data breaches in relation to cyber attacks on health providers and insurances.  

Otherwise known as the Public Law 104 to 191, the HIPAA assists to promote the continuity of health insurance coverage for US workers who lost or transferred jobs. It is also aimed to decrease administrative work and cost. Moreover, HIPAA lessens fraud and abuse to health care providers and insurances.  

HIPAA protects the patient's information like name, address, birth date, and Social Security (SS) number. Under HIPAA, the information on the patient's physical and mental condition is secured. Information regarding the payment of the care is also not divulged under this act.

To protect patient privacy by keeping health and personal identifiable information secure.