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HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

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HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

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Passed in 1996

It protects health information

Then: There was no federal rule governing the privacy and protection of health information. Anyone could see your information concerning health.

Now: Your health information is secured by HIPAA, meaning your information is disclosed to the public. Downsides are It increased the administrative requirements of medical care and It changed how information is released to patients.

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Passed in 1948

Establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

Then: Many health risks and pollution. People were getting sick.

Now: We have clean water that is safe for us to drink and use.

The downside is that its costly.

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Passed in 1974

This law was enacted to safeguard the personal privacy of individuals by regulating how federal agencies collect, use, and share personal information. It also established guidelines for individuals to access and correct records about themselves held by federal agencies.

Then: Growing concerns about the increasing collection and use of personal information by the federal government.

Now: Keeps personal information safe and personal. Downside is While the Privacy Act gives individuals the right to access and correct their records, the process can be cumbersome. Agencies are not always transparent about the data they collect or how it is used. Individuals may encounter delays, bureaucratic hurdles, or outright denial of access to their records.

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Passed in 1973

This law protects and conserves imperiled species. Designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction.

Then: Too many animals were seeing extinction.

Now: Animals close to extinction are protected.

Downside is that its costly and could save deadly or dangerous animals.

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Passed in 2010

It sought to make the U.S. financial system safer for consumers and taxpayers.

Then: Financial industry behavior that led to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.

Now: Restricting banks from trading with their own funds and tightening regulation of financial products.

The downside is that it makes it a lot more expensive to do business in the United States if you are a lender.

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Passed in 1934

Created to govern securities transactions on the secondary market.

Then: 1929 stock market crash

Now: Greater financial transparency and accuracy and less fraud or manipulation.

Downside is failing to consistently and aggressively enforce the securities laws and protect investors and the public.