What It Is

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a U.S. federal regulation establishing national standards for protecting individuals' health information. It comprises the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule, using a risk-based approach for safeguarding protected health information (PHI) and electronic PHI (ePHI) across covered entities and business associates.

Key Components

• **Privacy RuleControls PHI uses/disclosures, minimum necessary principle, patient rights.
• **Security RuleAdministrative, physical, technical safeguards; requires risk analysis.
• **Breach Notification RulePresumption-of-breach model, four-factor assessments, timely notifications. Built on flexible, scalable standards with six-year documentation retention; enforced by HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) via audits and penalties.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandated for covered entities (providers, plans, clearinghouses); reduces breach risks, ensures compliance amid high penalties (up to $2M+ annually). Builds patient trust, enables secure data flows for care/operations, differentiates in vendor ecosystems.

Implementation Overview

Phased: assess risks/gaps, implement safeguards/training/BAAs, monitor/audit continuously. Applies to U.S. healthcare organizations of all sizes; no formal certification but OCR audits require documented evidence.

What It Is

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government-backed voluntary labeling and benchmarking program administered by the EPA, with DOE support. It promotes superior energy efficiency across products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants through performance specifications, testing, and certification.

Key Components

• **Performance thresholdsCategory-specific metrics like EER/IEER for HVAC, AFUE for furnaces.
• **Standardized testingDOE-referenced methods in CFR.
• **Third-party certificationEPA-recognized labs and bodies, via QPX.
• **Ongoing verification5-20% annual post-market testing.
• **Brand governanceStrict mark usage rules. Certification model requires continuous compliance.

Why Organizations Use It

• Reduces energy costs, emissions; unlocks rebates, procurement.
• Builds trust via verified label (90% recognition).
• Supports ESG, regulatory alignment (e.g., benchmarking laws).
• Competitive edge in sales, leasing.

Implementation Overview

Phased: assessment (4-8 weeks), design/testing (3-12 months), deployment (1-6 months), ongoing verification. Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across sizes/industries, U.S.-focused. Involves lab testing, Portfolio Manager benchmarking, annual PE/RA verification for buildings.