This document provides an overview of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its requirements for protecting patient privacy and health information. HIPAA sets rules for how patient health information can be accessed, used, and shared. It defines protected health information and covers entities like health care providers and health plans. HIPAA provides patients with rights over their health information and places requirements on how information is stored, communicated, and disclosed. Organizations must implement privacy practices and security measures to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.