# HIPAA | Secureframe

> Learn what HIPAA is, HIPAA compliance requirements, the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule, and how HIPAA affects healthcare organizations and business associates.

canonical: https://secureframe.com/glossary/hipaa

Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996 in order to create national standards to protect sensitive patient health data.

## What is HIPAA?

Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ([HIPAA](https://secureframe.com/products/hipaa)) in 1996 in order to create national standards to protect sensitive patient health data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies to (1) healthcare entities and employees, (2) any entities or employees who work with healthcare entities, and (3) any organizations or employees who can access protected health information.