Which law governs patient confidentiality and the right not to have a name listed in the hospital directory?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that specifically governs patient confidentiality, ensuring that personal health information is kept private and secure. HIPAA establishes standards for the protection of health information and grants individuals the right to control their health information. This includes rights related to their privacy, such as the option to have their name withheld from hospital directories.

HIPAA not only focuses on the confidentiality of medical records but also mandates how healthcare providers and institutions handle and share patient information, emphasizing the importance of patient consent and protection against unauthorized access. It lays the groundwork for patients to understand their rights regarding their health information, which is essential for maintaining trust in healthcare practices.

On the other hand, while laws like the HITECH Act and the Federal Privacy Act have their own provisions related to health information and privacy, they do not specifically address the rights concerning hospital directory listings in the way HIPAA does. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act primarily focuses on healthcare coverage rather than confidentiality of patient information.