Which federal act established standards for protecting patient health information in electronic systems?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) established vital standards for protecting patient health information, particularly in electronic systems. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA was foundational in ensuring the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI), setting national standards for electronic healthcare transactions.

Through its Privacy Rule, HIPAA defines how healthcare providers and business associates must handle, store, and transmit health information, thus prioritizing patient privacy and fostering trust in electronic healthcare communications. Furthermore, HIPAA's Security Rule specifically outlines measures to safeguard electronic health information against unauthorized access, ensuring that patient data remains secure in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.

While other acts mentioned contribute to healthcare regulation and reform, they do not specifically focus on the standards for protecting patient health information in electronic systems in the way that HIPAA does.