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 to ensure the privacy and security of health information. HIPAA was enacted to protect sensitive patient data from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. It sets strict standards for the handling of patient information, requires healthcare providers and organizations to implement safeguards to protect that information, and provides patients with rights regarding their health information.

While aspects of controlling access to medical records and enhancing communication between health services are important considerations in the healthcare industry, HIPAA's primary focus is on the safeguarding of health information. By establishing regulations that mandate how personal health information should be protected, HIPAA plays a crucial role in maintaining patient confidentiality and building trust in the healthcare system. This protection extends to both physical and electronic health records. Therefore, the emphasis on privacy and security underscores why this answer is correct.