Which federal law governs the integrity of healthcare settings in the U.S.?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the federal law that primarily governs the integrity of healthcare settings in the U.S. It was enacted to ensure that personal health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality health care. HIPAA establishes standards for the safeguarding of medical information, as well as guidelines for the privacy and security of health data, thereby enhancing the integrity of healthcare practices.

By addressing confidentiality and information security, HIPAA plays a crucial role in maintaining patient trust and promoting ethical conduct within healthcare organizations. It also imposes obligations on healthcare providers, payers, and associated entities to implement certain safeguards, adherence to which directly contributes to the overall integrity and accountability of healthcare settings.

Other laws listed have important roles in healthcare but focus on different aspects. The Health Maintenance Organization Act pertains more specifically to the regulation of managed care organizations. The Affordable Care Act primarily deals with health insurance reform and expands access to healthcare, while the Medicare Modernization Act focuses mainly on enhancing and reforming the Medicare program. These laws contribute to various operational frameworks in healthcare but do not directly address the integrity of healthcare settings in the same comprehensive manner as HIPAA.