What is the primary goal of the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The primary goal of the HIPAA Privacy Rule is to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent. This rule establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information, ensuring that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential. By requiring healthcare providers, insurers, and data processors to implement safeguards, the Privacy Rule helps to ensure that sensitive information is only shared when authorized by the patient or required by law.

This focus on privacy is critical in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers, which encourages individuals to seek care without fear of their information being misused. The rule also empowers patients by granting them rights over their health information, such as the right to access their records and request corrections.