1
D223 – UKM2 – Performance Assessment Task 2
Samantha Arias
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D223: Healthcare Policy and Economics
Instructor Julie Hawkinson
April 10, 2026
, 2
D223 – UKM1 – Performance Assessment 2
Federal Healthcare Law Analysis
A1: Federal Healthcare Law
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a
significant federal healthcare law that directly impacts patient care and healthcare delivery by
establishing national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. HIPAA
requires healthcare providers and related entities to implement safeguards that ensure the
confidentiality, integrity, and security of protected health information (PHI), particularly through
the Privacy and Security Rules, which regulate how patient data is used, stored, and shared
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024; Edemekong et al., 2024). This law
enhances patient care by promoting trust and encouraging individuals to disclose complete and
accurate health information, which is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, HIPAA influences healthcare delivery by standardizing administrative processes
and requiring compliance measures such as staff training and secure electronic systems,
ultimately improving efficiency and accountability across healthcare organizations. By
protecting patient rights and regulating information management, HIPAA plays a critical role in
shaping modern healthcare practices and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care (CDC,
2024; Edemekong et al., 2024).
A2. Legislation Functionality
D223 – UKM2 – Performance Assessment Task 2
Samantha Arias
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D223: Healthcare Policy and Economics
Instructor Julie Hawkinson
April 10, 2026
, 2
D223 – UKM1 – Performance Assessment 2
Federal Healthcare Law Analysis
A1: Federal Healthcare Law
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a
significant federal healthcare law that directly impacts patient care and healthcare delivery by
establishing national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. HIPAA
requires healthcare providers and related entities to implement safeguards that ensure the
confidentiality, integrity, and security of protected health information (PHI), particularly through
the Privacy and Security Rules, which regulate how patient data is used, stored, and shared
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024; Edemekong et al., 2024). This law
enhances patient care by promoting trust and encouraging individuals to disclose complete and
accurate health information, which is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, HIPAA influences healthcare delivery by standardizing administrative processes
and requiring compliance measures such as staff training and secure electronic systems,
ultimately improving efficiency and accountability across healthcare organizations. By
protecting patient rights and regulating information management, HIPAA plays a critical role in
shaping modern healthcare practices and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care (CDC,
2024; Edemekong et al., 2024).
A2. Legislation Functionality
