HIPAA Hippos were created in an attempt for Boise State Health Services employees to stay compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Two versions of the hippo were created. One hippo was for being in compliant with HIPAA and the other hippo for violating HIPAA . At the end of the month, employees with the the most compliant HIPAA Hippo cards would receive an incentive item.