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

The primary focus of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is on addressing health information privacy. HIPAA was enacted to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. It establishes standards for the protection of health information and governs the handling and sharing of this data by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities involved in the healthcare industry.

These provisions ensure that personal health information cannot be disclosed without the individual's consent and that patients have rights regarding their health information, including the right to access their medical records. This focus on privacy is crucial, as it aims to safeguard sensitive health data against unauthorized access and breaches, thereby fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.