What is the primary focus of the HIPAA regulations?

The primary focus of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations is to ensure patient privacy and securely manage healthcare information. HIPAA was enacted to provide standards for the protection of health information and to establish confidentiality and integrity in how patient data is handled. This includes guidelines on who can access and share health information, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in the healthcare system. By requiring healthcare providers and organizations to implement strict security measures, HIPAA aims to protect sensitive patient data from unauthorized access or breaches, thus fostering trust in the healthcare system. The other options, while they may relate to broader healthcare issues, do not align with the core intent and provisions of HIPAA.