What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?

The primary purpose of HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect the privacy of patient information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards to safeguard individuals' medical records and other personal health information. This includes the requirement for healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities to implement specific measures to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or breaches.

The act also empowers individuals with rights over their health information, such as the right to access their records and the right to request corrections. This focus on privacy is foundational to building trust between patients and healthcare providers, allowing patients to seek the care they need without fear of their information being mishandled or disclosed without consent.

While HIPAA may have implications for healthcare costs and operational efficiencies, its primary focus is on ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of patient data, making it a critical regulation in the healthcare landscape.