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

The purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is primarily to secure individual health information. This legislation was enacted to ensure that individuals’ private health information is protected and that there are standards for the handling of sensitive patient data. It establishes protocols that healthcare providers and their business associates must follow to safeguard personal health information from unauthorized access and breaches, thus prioritizing patient privacy and confidentiality.

This act also includes provisions that enable the portability of health insurance, meaning that individuals can retain their health coverage when changing jobs or experiencing life changes. However, the foremost focus of HIPAA is the protection of personal health information, making it a key component in maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers.