What is the primary purpose of HIPAA in healthcare?

• A. To protect patient privacy and secure health information while enabling appropriate information sharing.
• B. To fund hospital construction projects.
• C. To license healthcare professionals.
• D. To regulate drug pricing.

Answer: (A)

HIPAA focuses on protecting patient privacy and securing protected health information (PHI) while allowing it to be shared for legitimate health care needs. It sets who can access PHI, what safeguards must be in place to protect it, and the rights patients have to access, request corrections, or learn how their information is used. The aim is to maintain confidentiality and trust in the patient–provider relationship while enabling care coordination, billing, and health care operations to proceed smoothly. Other options don’t fit because HIPAA doesn’t fund hospital construction, license healthcare professionals, or regulate drug pricing; those areas are governed by different laws and agencies.