What significant updates did the HITECH Act bring to HIPAA?

The HITECH Act made significant amendments to HIPAA, primarily aimed at enhancing the protection of sensitive health information. One of the key updates brought by this legislation was the introduction of increased fines for violations of HIPAA regulations. This change was intended to strengthen enforcement and encourage compliance by imposing higher penalties on organizations that failed to safeguard protected health information (PHI).

Additionally, the HITECH Act established breach notification requirements, which mandated that covered entities and their business associates notify individuals in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI. This requirement enhanced transparency and empowered patients to take immediate action if their information was compromised.

By combining both increased fines for violations and the implementation of breach notification requirements, the HITECH Act significantly bolstered HIPAA's framework for protecting patient information and promoting accountability among healthcare providers and related entities. This dual impact underscores why the correct answer encapsulates both of these critical updates.