Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is categorized as healthcare regulation because it specifically governs the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. Established in 1996, HIPAA sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, ensuring that healthcare providers, plans, and other entities handle this data in a secure and confidential manner.

The regulation includes provisions to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems while safeguarding patient information, thus directly impacting the healthcare industry. Its focus is on the rights of patients regarding their medical records and the obligations of healthcare entities to maintain the confidentiality and security of that information.

Other categories, such as environmental, financial, and cybersecurity regulations, do not encompass the specific objectives and requirements set forth by HIPAA, which are uniquely tied to healthcare practices and protecting patient data. Therefore, categorizing HIPAA as healthcare regulation accurately reflects its intent and applications within the context of health information management.