Which law requires healthcare providers to issue a Notice of Privacy Practices?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly referred to as HIPAA, is the law that mandates healthcare providers to issue a Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP). This requirement is integral to HIPAA's broader goal of protecting patient privacy and ensuring that individuals understand how their personal health information may be used and disclosed.

Under HIPAA, healthcare providers must provide a NOPP to inform patients about their rights regarding their health information, including how it is used, shared, and protected. The NOPP also outlines the circumstances under which information may be shared without patient consent, such as for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. By requiring this notice, HIPAA helps promote transparency in the handling of health information, which is crucial for building trust between patients and providers.

The other laws mentioned, like the Affordable Care Act and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, do contribute to the healthcare landscape and may enhance aspects of patient care and information security, but they do not specifically require the issuance of a Notice of Privacy Practices as stipulated under HIPAA. Thus, HIPAA is the foundational regulation that ensures patients are informed about their privacy rights in the healthcare setting.