What is the primary goal of the Privacy Rule in healthcare?

The primary goal of the Privacy Rule in healthcare is to safeguard individuals' medical records. This regulation is part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is designed to ensure that patients have control over their personal health information. It establishes standards for how healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities handle sensitive patient data, protecting it from unauthorized access and ensuring that individuals’ privacy is respected. By placing strong emphasis on the confidentiality and security of medical records, the Privacy Rule aims to create a trustworthy environment for patients, allowing them to feel secure when sharing personal health information with their healthcare providers.

While reducing healthcare costs, improving patient satisfaction, and increasing healthcare accessibility are important goals within the healthcare system, they are not the primary focus of the Privacy Rule. The emphasis is primarily on maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of patient information.