What is a primary objective of the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The primary objective of the HIPAA Privacy Rule is to protect personal health information from unauthorized use. This regulation was established to ensure that individuals' medical records and other identifiable health information are kept secure and confidential. By setting national standards for the protection of such information, the HIPAA Privacy Rule helps to safeguard patients' privacy rights and establishes guidelines for how healthcare providers, plans, and clearinghouses can handle sensitive information. This focus on security and privacy aims to build trust between patients and healthcare entities, encouraging individuals to seek care without fear of their information being improperly disclosed.