Definition
HIPAA
Definition
HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the federal law that protects the privacy and security of health information in the United States. The Privacy Rule governs the use and disclosure of protected health information; the Security Rule governs the technical and administrative safeguards for electronic health information.
Clinical Context
HIPAA applies to covered entities (most clinical providers, health plans, and clearinghouses) and their business associates. Telehealth video platforms used for clinical care must be HIPAA-compliant; consumer video tools are not.
How This Shows Up in Our Work
Sessions in our practice are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant secure video platform. Clinical communication outside session uses a HIPAA-compliant intake portal. The website contact form is for scheduling, not clinical communication.