What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?

The primary purpose of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. This federal law establishes a set of national standards that safeguard medical records and other personal health information held by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities. By focusing on privacy and security, HIPAA ensures that individuals' sensitive health information cannot be disclosed without their consent or knowledge, therefore reinforcing patients' rights over their own health information.

The emphasis on privacy and security is crucial in a healthcare environment that increasingly relies on electronic systems for managing patient data. While HIPAA has provisions that also address the portability of health insurance and certain aspects of healthcare administration, its more prominent role has become the establishment of strong regulations to protect patient confidentiality and to provide individuals with rights regarding their health information.

Other options presented, while related to the healthcare system, do not capture the essence of HIPAA’s core mission. Promoting electronic health record systems and regulating healthcare costs are not foundational elements of the act and are separate considerations within the broader healthcare landscape. Similarly, establishing healthcare quality standards is important but falls outside the primary intent of HIPAA, which is focused on privacy and security.