What is the primary purpose of the Privacy Rule?

The primary purpose of the Privacy Rule is to protect patient health information. This rule, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information. It ensures that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are adequately safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. This protection is crucial because it helps maintain patients' trust in the healthcare system, encouraging them to seek care without fear of their personal information being mishandled.

The Privacy Rule outlines the permissible uses and disclosures of health information, granting patients rights over their information, such as the right to access their records and request corrections. This focus on privacy is essential for fostering a secure healthcare environment where both patients and providers can operate with confidence regarding the confidentiality of sensitive health information.