Local and state laws governing privacy of health information tend to supersede federal laws.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Federal privacy protections for health information, such as HIPAA, establish the baseline nationwide. States may enact laws that are more protective, adding stricter rights or requirements for privacy. But when a state law clashes with HIPAA, federal law governs and usually preempts that state provision. So, local and state laws do not typically override federal standards; they can supplement them or apply only where they are more protective and consistent with federal rules. That’s why the statement is not accurate—the federal framework generally takes precedence in conflicts, while states can extend protections in appropriate ways.