What does HIPAA primarily aim to protect?

The primary aim of HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect patient privacy and the security of health information. This legislation establishes national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information, ensuring that such information is kept confidential and is only disclosed to those individuals or entities that have a legitimate need to access it.

HIPAA creates rules regarding how healthcare providers, health plans, and other covered entities must handle personal health information, emphasizing the importance of patient consent and the need for stringent safeguards against breaches of privacy. By focusing on the privacy and security of health information, HIPAA seeks to preserve patient confidentiality and support individuals' rights regarding their medical records. This is a critical aspect in building trust between patients and healthcare providers, fostering an environment where individuals feel secure in sharing their health information.

The other options do not capture the primary purpose of HIPAA. While healthcare costs and health service efficiency are important aspects of healthcare, they are not the primary focus of HIPAA. Similarly, although provider profits are a consideration in healthcare economics, the act's main goal is not centered around financial gains for providers.