What key principle does HIPAA primarily focus on?

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is primarily centered on the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality. This federal law was enacted to establish national standards for the protection of individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. It ensures that healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other entities maintain the confidentiality of patients' health information and only share it under specific circumstances, typically with the patients' consent or as required by law.

The focus on patient privacy is crucial in maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers. By safeguarding sensitive information, HIPAA encourages individuals to seek medical care without fear of their health information being disclosed improperly. It lays out guidelines for how patient information should be handled, stored, and transmitted, thus emphasizing the significance of confidentiality in healthcare settings.