What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?

The primary purpose of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect patients' medical records and personal health information. By establishing national standards for the protection of health information, HIPAA ensures that healthcare entities must securely handle and safeguard individuals' sensitive data. This includes implementing measures such as encryption and other technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of medical records.

In essence, HIPAA strikes a balance between allowing the necessary flow of health information for quality care while simultaneously protecting the privacy and security of patients' personal health details. Without these provisions, patients could face significant risks regarding the confidentiality of their sensitive health information.

The other options do not align with HIPAA's actual intentions. Increasing healthcare costs contradicts the act's goals, enhancing providers' access to information does not acknowledge the critical importance of patient privacy, and unrestricted access to patient data undermines the very protections that HIPAA is designed to enforce. Therefore, the focus on safeguarding patient information stands out as the core mission of HIPAA.