What is the main goal of HIPAA?

The primary goal of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. This landmark legislation was established to ensure that personal health information is safeguarded, providing patients with more control over who has access to their medical records and how that information is used. It sets national standards for the protection of sensitive patient information, which includes implementing safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health data.

By focusing on protecting health information, HIPAA aims to build trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging individuals to seek out necessary medical care without fear of their information being disclosed improperly. This underlines the importance of patient privacy in the healthcare system, which is integral to providing quality care and maintaining patient rights. While other options hint at broader healthcare goals or reforms, the core directive of HIPAA is centered on the protection and security of health information, marking option B as the main goal of the act.