What is the primary purpose of the HIPAA regulations?

The primary purpose of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations is to protect medical records and health information. This federal law was enacted to establish national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring that patient data remains confidential and secure. HIPAA sets guidelines for how healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates must handle, transmit, and store medical data.

By safeguarding health information, HIPAA helps built trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging individuals to seek care knowing their sensitive health data is protected. This focus on the security and privacy of health information distinguishes HIPAA from other regulations that may cover areas like educational privacy, financial information, or data security for children online.