HITECH, which stands for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, was part of 2009 legislation designed to encourage the use of electronic health recording systems nationwide. As part of that initiative, the act further refined and strengthened HIPAA, more clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the businesses associates of covered entities. As you might recall, covered entities are health care providers and companies that are required to adhere to HIPAA rules. Under HITECH, the offices of business associates also need to be HIPAA compliant.