Top 8 Health Laws Everyone Should Know
As residents of the United States of America, there are some health laws that we should know about so that we are aware of our legal rights pertaining to healthcare. Given the recent Zantac Lawsuit, many low-income citizens were found to be confused about their legal rights in matters of health.
Here we listed for you, the 8 important health laws that you should know of, as an American citizen.
Healthcare Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA)
The Healthcare Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA) aims to protect medical professionals from peer-review related lawsuits and is an evolving act since many rulings are discovered every time that the law is enacted. It also seeks to encourage medical professionals to file complaints, in case they encounter any kind of unprofessional conduct.
Medicare
Medicare is currently providing insurance coverage for around fifty million Americans. Roots of Medicare can be traced back to when President Harry Truman started rallying the Congress in 1945 for funding for having US citizens insured. President John F. Kennedy succeeded in the aim 20 years later, and we know of it today as Medicare.
Medicaid
Medicaid is currently providing coverage for over 70-million US citizens such as expecting mothers (who are not insured), disabled people and those going through unemployment. It can be traced back to the 1965 legislation of President Johnson, which included a provision to facilitate low-income individuals with insurance coverage as well.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) originated alongside the Children’s Health Insurance Authorization Act of 2009 and provides insurance to underprivileged children.
Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP)
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) was launched in 2012 as an initiative of the Affordable Care Act. It basically dictates that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reduce disbursements to medical facilities that receive too many patient readmissions.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 allows workers in America to carry health insurance policies from job to job, thus protecting them. HIPAA does not allow insurance companies to discriminate against policy applicants based on health problems either.
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA) of 2005
The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (PSQIA) was created by legislators to protect health care workers who want to report any kind of unsafe conditions pertaining to medical errors. Patient privacy and confidentiality is strictly maintained
Affordable Care Act of 2010
Sanctioned by President Obama in March 2010, the Affordable Care Act calls for most of the American citizens to apply for health insurance coverage. It can be considered as a modified version of the all-inclusive coverage, thought of by many presidents in the 20th century.
Under the law, organizations employing 200+ workers are also obligated to provide health insurance coverage, and even offers opportunities for health care professionals to participate in enhancing medical services.
