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HIPAA is the abbreviation for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HIPAA protects personal health information and patient privacy.

To comply with HIPAA regulations, medical professionals and associates must maintain confidentiality with identifiable health information of patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Information can only be released to the patient or an individual designated by the patient.

HIPAA's Privacy Rule is designed to protect a patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, states the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Most health information is covered, including medical records, treatment and care conversations, and insurance and billing information. Some organizations don't need to follow these rules, however.