Which law requires employee insurance policies to maintain confidentiality of patient information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that mandates employee insurance policies to maintain the confidentiality of patient information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards for the protection of health information. It primarily aims to ensure that individuals’ medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential and secure.

HIPAA regulates how healthcare providers, insurance companies, and their business associates handle medical information, which includes strict guidelines on sharing, accessing, and protecting patient data. This confidentiality is crucial for maintaining trust in the healthcare system, as it assures patients that their sensitive information will not be disclosed without their consent.

In contrast, the Family and Medical Leave Act focuses on providing eligible employees with job-protected leave for family and medical reasons; the Drug-Free Workplace Act aims to promote a healthy work environment by preventing drug abuse; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age and older. None of these laws address the confidentiality of patient information, which is why HIPAA is the correct choice.