What requirement was introduced by the HITECH Act that was not mandatory before?

The requirement introduced by the HITECH Act that was not mandatory before is notifications for patients whose Protected Health Information (PHI) was exposed in a data breach. This provision emphasizes transparency and accountability in the handling of sensitive health information. Prior to the HITECH Act, there were no federal requirements mandating that healthcare organizations inform affected individuals in the event of a breach.

By implementing this requirement, the HITECH Act aims to empower patients with knowledge about their personal health information and the potential risks associated with breaches. This is crucial not only for patient trust but also for enabling individuals to take appropriate actions to protect themselves from potential identity theft or other adverse effects resulting from unauthorized access to their health data. The notification requirement underscores the importance of both maintaining robust security practices and ensuring that patients are informed about how their information is being protected.