HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is the legislative package that attempts to tie multiple laws, amendments, regulatory codes, and proposals concerning the security of patient information in healthcare and insurance industries.

We are in a new era where information flow and business processes associated with providing healthcare significantly impact patients, providers, and insurers. Computers and networks now rapidly deliver information to specialists from remote locations, using the Internet, to save lives. However, the same information flows and data that medical professionals use can potentially be used to deny medical benefits, and effect people's lives in ways not intended by those who would serve them.

More significant for the healthcare providers themselves, in addition to potential fines for non-compliance, a publicized breach in security, could damage well-deserved reputations and hard-earned standing in the communities they serve. Doctor-patient confidentiality can no longer be secured solely by a doctor's oath and good judgment.