Introduction (continued)

These laws are the:

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
  
• Privacy Act of 1974
  
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

FOIA, the Privacy Act of 1974, and certain provisions of HIPAA directly impact your work as a CMS employee, the rights and privileges of CMS beneficiaries, and other members of the public.