What is the purpose of HIPAA?

The purpose of HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is primarily to protect patient health information. This encompasses both the privacy and security of individuals' medical records and other personal health information. HIPAA establishes standards for how healthcare organizations, providers, and their business associates handle sensitive patient data, ensuring that there are strict protocols in place to safeguard this information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

By focusing on the protection of health information, HIPAA helps build trust in the healthcare system, allowing patients to access care without fear that their personal information will be mishandled or exposed. This protection is critical, especially in an age where electronic health records and digital communication are prominent.

The other options suggest purposes that contradict or misinterpret the primary goals of HIPAA. For instance, it does not seek to restrain communication in healthcare or limit service delivery; rather, it aims to enhance patient privacy while allowing necessary communication among care providers. It also does not directly enhance access to healthcare services but rather works alongside other regulations that address accessibility, especially in relation to insurance and coverage.