In 1966, Congress passed the ______ to help keep health information private and secure.

• A. Protected health information (PHI)
• B. None of the above
• C. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• D. Client bill of rights

Answer: (C)

Protecting health information is governed by a federal law that creates the standards for privacy and security. This act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, established nationwide rules about how health information can be used and shared, and it requires safeguards for both paper and electronic records. It defines protected health information and gives individuals rights over their PHI while outlining responsibilities for health plans, providers, and business associates to keep that information confidential. The other terms describe either the data itself or general patient rights, but they do not provide the legal framework that enforces privacy protections. So this act is the best answer because it directly sets the standards for keeping health information private and secure.