What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

The primary purpose of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to ensure access to healthcare information while safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of individuals' personal medical data. Specifically, it was designed to facilitate the transfer and sharing of medical information among healthcare providers, so patients can receive continuous and coordinated care. Additionally, HIPAA establishes standards for protecting the security of patient information, which is vital for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

This emphasis on access and transfer aligns with the broader goals of improving the efficiency of the healthcare system and ensuring that patients have the right to control who accesses their health information. By enhancing portability, HIPAA allows patients to move their medical records with them as they change insurance plans or healthcare providers, thereby improving accessibility to necessary medical services and treatments.

Understanding this context helps clarify why ensuring access and transfer of personal medical information is fundamental to the act's purpose.