American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

Which legislation establishes the standards for Electronic Health Care Transactions?

1. HIPAA

2. HITECH

3. FERPA

4. EMTALA

The correct answer is: HIPAA

The correct choice is based on the fact that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes the standards for Electronic Health Care Transactions. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA encompasses a number of provisions, one of which is the implementation of national standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for providers, health plans, and employers. This was a significant step towards streamlining the electronic exchange of health information, thereby improving efficiency within the healthcare system. The focus of HIPAA includes not only transaction standards but also regulations regarding the privacy and security of health information. This is essential for protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring that health care transactions are carried out safely and accurately. The other legislative acts mentioned have different focuses. For instance, HITECH emphasizes the promotion of health information technology and the enhancement of privacy and security protections under HIPAA, but it does not directly establish the initial standards for electronic transactions. FERPA concerns the privacy of student education records and is unrelated to health care transactions. Conversely, EMTALA addresses emergency medical treatment and is centered on ensuring that individuals receive necessary medical care regardless of their ability to pay, rather than establishing electronic transaction standards.