Which act aims to secure patient privacy and data in healthcare settings?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) specifically aims to enhance patient privacy and data protection in healthcare settings. It was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and serves to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. A significant component of the HITECH Act is its provisions related to the Privacy and Security Rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes standards for the protection of health information.

The HITECH Act also introduced stricter penalties for violations of HIPAA rules and encourages healthcare organizations to implement stronger security measures to protect electronic health records (EHRs). This aligns with the central goal of ensuring patient privacy and secure handling of sensitive health data in a digitized age.

In contrast, the other acts mentioned focus on broader health care reforms or social programs rather than specifically targeting patient privacy and data protection in healthcare environments. The Affordable Care Act is primarily about expanding access to health insurance, the Patient Protection Act is aimed at various patient protections and health care reforms, and the Social Security Act relates to social welfare programs rather than privacy concerns. Therefore, the HITECH Act's direct focus on enhancing the security and privacy of patient data