What is the primary goal of HIPAA?

The primary goal of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to protect the privacy of health records. This federal legislation was enacted to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of individuals' medical information. By establishing national standards for the protection of health information, HIPAA empowers patients with greater control over who can access their health data and how that data can be used. The law mandates specific safeguards that healthcare providers, insurers, and other covered entities must implement to protect patient information from unauthorized access and breaches, reinforcing the importance of patient privacy in the healthcare system.

While aspects related to research funding, employee wages, and competition may affect the healthcare landscape, they do not align with the core purpose of HIPAA, which is firmly centered on safeguarding privacy and establishing trust between patients and healthcare providers.