What is another name for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is commonly referred to as the Kennedy-Kassenbaum Bill, named after Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Nancy Kassenbaum, who were instrumental in its introduction and passage. This legislation was significant in setting standards for the protection of health information and ensuring that individuals could maintain their health insurance coverage when changing jobs or facing other life changes.

The act's primary focus on patient privacy and the portability of health insurance has made it a foundational element of health care law in the United States. It established guidelines that healthcare providers and organizations must follow to safeguard patient information and enhance the security of health records, a key aspect of the modern healthcare system.

Understanding this name helps in recognizing the importance of the legislation and its historical context in the evolution of healthcare policy and patient rights.