What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?

The primary purpose of HIPAA is to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was enacted in 1996 to address the growing concerns surrounding the confidentiality of patient health information as the healthcare industry shifted towards electronic records.

This regulation establishes national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring that personal health information is kept secure and confidential. It outlines strict guidelines on how health information should be handled, shared, and stored, emphasizing the rights of patients regarding their health information. By focusing on privacy and security, HIPAA aims to build trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective treatment and care.

While other options might touch on related aspects of the healthcare system, such as technology advancements or operational efficiencies, these are not the core focus of HIPAA. The act is fundamentally centered around safeguarding sensitive health information from misuse or unauthorized access, thereby making option B the correct choice.