What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

The primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to establish regulations for protecting personal health information. HIPAA was enacted in 1996 to ensure that individuals' health information remains confidential and secure, particularly in the context of electronic health records and communication among healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities involved in healthcare.

The legislation sets the foundation for privacy protections and security standards, requiring covered entities—such as healthcare providers and insurance companies—to implement safeguards that protect patients' sensitive health information. This includes requirements for managing patient data, allowing individuals to access their health records, and ensuring that information is shared only with authorized parties.

The focus of HIPAA on safeguarding personal health information distinguishes it from other legislative purposes, such as those related to financial transactions, insurance policies, or international exchanges, which are addressed by different laws and regulations. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the core mission of HIPAA in relation to privacy and data protection within the healthcare sector.