What is the primary goal of HIPAA?

The primary goal of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to ensure the privacy and security of health information. This law was enacted to establish standards for the protection of health information and to facilitate the electronic exchange of healthcare data while promoting the confidentiality of patients' personal health information.

By implementing safeguards, both physical and administrative, HIPAA ensures that healthcare providers, plans, and business associates handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner that protects individuals' privacy rights. It requires entities to put appropriate measures in place to protect health information from unauthorized access or breaches, thereby fostering an environment of trust between patients and their healthcare providers.

In contrast, limiting patient access to their health information, eliminating health records, or allowing unlimited data sharing goes against the fundamental principles of HIPAA, which prioritize patient rights and the secure management of health information.