Which regulation governs electronic health records and ensures patient privacy?

The focus of the question is on regulations that govern electronic health records (EHRs) and ensure the privacy of patient information. HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, plays a critical role in this area. Established in 1996, HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient health information. It defines the permissible uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI) and mandates specific safeguards and protocols for the electronic sharing of health records to maintain confidentiality and security.

The importance of HIPAA in the context of electronic health records cannot be overstated. It provides a framework that health care providers, health plans, and other entities must adhere to when handling health information electronically, ensuring that patient privacy is prioritized.

While HITECH does enhance the privacy and security protections established under HIPAA in relation to health information technology, the fundamental regulation governing patient privacy related to electronic health records is HIPAA itself. Other regulations, such as FERPA and OSHA, pertain to educational records and workplace safety, respectively, and are not directly related to health information privacy.