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

The main objective of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to protect the privacy of health information. This legislation was enacted to establish national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. Under HIPAA, healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities that handle health information are required to implement safeguards to ensure that personal health data is kept confidential and secure.

HIPAA's privacy rules apply to individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by these organizations, thereby giving patients greater control over their personal health information. The act also empowers individuals by requiring them to be informed of their rights regarding their medical records and how their information is used and disclosed.

While aspects of health care quality and job security are important, they are not the primary focus of HIPAA. The legislation specifically addresses confidentiality and privacy, making it essential for healthcare organizations to comply to protect patients' rights and information.