This quarter I have been learning about the differences and similarities between the federal and state healthcare laws, and their key provisions. Federal health laws which we are most familiar with are the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) and all are mandated for all states. State laws include specialized medical practices acts and privacy laws, Medicaid laws, public health laws which may vary state to state.
Understanding healthcare laws are crucial for remaining in compliance with the laws to avoid legal penalties, fines, lawsuits, and/or loss of medical licensure. We are responsible as healthcare professionals to satisfy required standards for both patient care and safety. It is equally as important to provide the general public with a sense of autonomy when it comes to advocating for their health concerns through education and spreading awareness on patient rights. Quality of care, ethical practices, risk management, and policy development require a deep understanding of both federal and state healthcare laws to implement successfully. Detailed knowledge of these laws helps healthcare providers to navigate the complex legal landscape more seamlessly to contribute to a more efficient and equitable healthcare for all.