What is the purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

The purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is primarily focused on ensuring that health information is kept private and secure. HIPAA establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. It sets guidelines concerning the use and disclosure of health information, mandating that healthcare organizations implement proper safeguards to maintain confidentiality. This means that only authorized individuals can access sensitive personal health information, thus protecting patients from unauthorized disclosures.

In contrast, while other options may relate to aspects of healthcare, they do not encapsulate the core mission of HIPAA. For example, allowing easier access to health services and regulating insurance costs are not the primary aims of HIPAA. Additionally, while the employment of healthcare workers is vital for the industry, HIPAA does not mandate employment but rather focuses on the protection and privacy of patient information.