Editing Health informatics (section)

==Law==
{{further|Health law}}
''Health informatics law'' deals with evolving and sometimes complex legal principles as they apply to information technology in health-related fields. It addresses the privacy, ethical and operational issues that invariably arise when electronic tools, information and media are used in health care delivery. Health Informatics Law also applies to all matters that involve information technology, health care and the interaction of information. It deals with the circumstances under which data and records are shared with other fields or areas that support and enhance patient care.

As many health care systems are making an effort to have patient records more readily available to them via the internet, it is important that providers implement security standards in order to ensure that the patients' information is safe. They have to be able to assure confidentiality, integrity, and security of the people, process, and technology. Since there is also the possibility of payments being made through this system, it is vital that this aspect of their private information will also be protected through cryptography.

The use of technology in health care settings has become popular and this trend is expected to continue. Various health care facilities had instigated different kinds of health information technology systems in the provision of patient care, such as electronic health records (EHRs), computerized charting, etc.<ref name="pmid19645226">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ericksen AB | title = Informatics: the future of nursing | journal = Rn | volume = 72 | issue = 7 | pages = 34–7 | date = July 2009 | pmid = 19645226 }}</ref> The growing popularity of health information technology systems and the escalation in the amount of health information that can be exchanged and transferred electronically increased the risk of potential infringement in patients' privacy and confidentiality.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Menachemi N, Collum TH | title = Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems | journal = Risk Management and Healthcare Policy | volume = 4 | pages = 47–55 | year = 2011 | pmid = 22312227 | pmc = 3270933 | doi = 10.2147/RMHP.S12985 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This concern triggered the establishment of strict measures by both policymakers and individual facility to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality.

One of the federal laws enacted to safeguard patient's health information (medical record, billing information, treatment plan, etc.) and to guarantee patient's privacy is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or HIPAA.<ref name="hhs.gov">Your Rights Under HIPAA. (n.d.). [Text]. Retrieved September 5, 2016, from {{cite web | title = Your Rights Under HIPAA | date = 7 May 2008 | url = https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/index.html | publisher = U.S. Department of Health & Human Services }}</ref> HIPAA gives patients the autonomy and control over their own health records.<ref name="hhs.gov"/> Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (n.d.), this law enables patients to:<ref name="hhs.gov"/>
* View their own health records
* Request a copy of their own medical records
* Request correction to any incorrect health information
* Know who has access to their health record
* Request who can and cannot view/access their health information