Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which act allows individuals to access and request changes to their records?

1. Freedom of Information Act

2. Privacy Act

3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

4. Federal Records Act

The correct answer is: Privacy Act

The Privacy Act is established to safeguard personal information held by federal agencies and provides individuals with the right to access and request changes to their records. This act fosters transparency and accountability by allowing individuals to review their records and correct any inaccuracies, which is essential in maintaining the integrity of personal data. The ability to amend one's records not only empowers individuals but also ensures that the information used by these agencies is accurate and up to date. The other acts mentioned do play important roles in information access and privacy but do not specifically grant individuals the right to access and correct their personal records in the same way the Privacy Act does. The Freedom of Information Act primarily focuses on public access to government records, rather than individual rights regarding personal data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pertains mainly to the protection of health information but does not encompass the same broad rights as the Privacy Act regarding access and modification of records. The Federal Records Act manages the disposition of federal records but does not directly address individuals' rights concerning their own records.