Why was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) created?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created primarily to help keep health information private and secure. This federal law was enacted in 1996 with the objective of protecting individuals' medical records and other personal health information. HIPAA establishes national standards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of healthcare data, which is essential for safeguarding patient privacy.

By setting rules and regulations around who can access and share patients' health information, HIPAA plays a critical role in building trust between patients and healthcare providers. It empowers patients by giving them rights over their own health information, including the ability to access and request amendments to their records.

While improving healthcare access, regulating insurance premiums, and standardizing medical billing processes are relevant topics in healthcare reform, they do not capture the primary aim of HIPAA. The act focuses specifically on the protection of health information privacy and security, making the third option the most accurate choice.