Colorado CNA Practice Exam

One reason that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed was to:

1. Encourage advance directives

2. Ensure staff competency

3. Protect privacy of health information

4. Regulate long-term care facilities

The correct answer is: Encourage advance directives

HIPAA was passed to enhance patient control over personal health information. Choice A is correct because an advance directive is a legal document that allows an individual to specify what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may relate to patient rights and healthcare regulations, they are not the primary reason for the passing of HIPAA. HIPAA does not specifically mention staff competency or long-term care facilities, and though it does protect privacy of health information, this is not its primary purpose.