What is the primary focus of the Privacy Rule under HIPAA?

The primary focus of the Privacy Rule under HIPAA is to ensure the confidentiality of health records. This regulation establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information. It sets guidelines for how healthcare providers, health plans, and other covered entities must handle and protect patient information.

The Privacy Rule empowers patients with rights over their health information, such as the right to access their records and request corrections. It also mandates that entities implement safeguards to protect health information from unauthorized access or disclosures, thereby fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.

While aspects like regulating health coverage and controlling health insurance costs are components of broader healthcare policies, they are not the primary aim of the Privacy Rule itself. Similarly, standardizing healthcare procedures relates to administrative efficiency and does not directly address the confidentiality concerns central to the Privacy Rule.