In what year was the HIPAA act initiated?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was initiated in 1996. This act was significant as it aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system by standardizing the electronic exchange of administrative and financial data related to health care. In addition, HIPAA established protections for patient privacy and security of health information, which were critical in an increasingly digital world. Understanding the timeline of HIPAA's inception is crucial for healthcare professionals, as compliance with its regulations has a profound impact on how patient information is handled and safeguarded.