How does HITECH relate to HIPAA?

HITECH, which stands for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, directly relates to HIPAA by strengthening its enforcement and expanding its requirements. One of the primary objectives of HITECH is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology while enhancing the privacy and security protections afforded under HIPAA.

Specifically, HITECH introduced additional security provisions that address data breaches and impose stricter penalties for HIPAA violations. It requires covered entities and business associates to notify individuals in the event of a breach of their unsecured protected health information (PHI), which enhances patient rights and trust in the healthcare system. Moreover, HITECH extends HIPAA compliance requirements to a broader range of organizations that handle electronic health information, which reinforces the overall framework of health information protection.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between HITECH and HIPAA. For instance, HITECH does not provide funding for clinical trials nor does it allow for less stringent privacy protections or replace HIPAA entirely; rather, it builds upon and modifies the existing framework established by HIPAA.