Health Records and the Law, Fifth Edition provides essential tools for health professionals who must comply with laws protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient data. This Fifth Edition addresses the substantial changes brought about by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the growth of network information systems, along with discussion of state laws affecting the use and disclosure of patient data. This thorough revision also examines the challenging area of how patient information may be used in connection with medical research and the impact that the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act is having on public health monitoring and surveillance.