Which of the following is the purpose of HIPAA?

The purpose of HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is fundamentally centered on protecting patient health information. This federal law was enacted to establish national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information, ensuring that privacy and security are maintained. It delineates rules and regulations that healthcare providers, insurance companies, and their business associates must follow to safeguard patient information against unauthorized access and disclosures.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary objective of HIPAA. While the act may have indirect effects on healthcare access or insurance processes, its main focus is on the confidentiality of health information. HIPAA facilitates a framework that allows patients to have greater control over their data, enabling them to trust that their sensitive information is handled with care and integrity.