California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What does HIPAA primarily address?

1. Hepatitis A

2. Confidentiality

3. Standard precautions

4. Nutrition

The correct answer is: Confidentiality

The primary focus of HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is on maintaining the confidentiality and security of individuals' medical information. This law was enacted to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. It establishes national standards for electronic health care transactions and protects patients' medical records and other personal health information. The emphasis on confidentiality means that healthcare providers, including certified nursing assistants, must adhere to strict guidelines regarding how patient information is handled, shared, and stored to ensure it remains private and secure. This is crucial in maintaining trust in healthcare relationships and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Other topics, such as hepatitis A, standard precautions, and nutrition, while important in the healthcare setting, do not fall under the primary scope of HIPAA. Instead, those topics relate to specific areas of health and safety practice or dietary guidelines rather than the overarching legal framework governing patient information privacy.