Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of HIPAA regarding protected health information (PHI)?

1. To disclose all PHI to the public for transparency

2. To protect individual PHI and disclose only when in the best interest of the patient

3. To allow healthcare providers full access to PHI

4. To limit access to health information to only insurance companies

The correct answer is: To protect individual PHI and disclose only when in the best interest of the patient

The primary goal of HIPAA is to protect individual PHI and ensure that it is disclosed only when it aligns with the best interests of the patient. This reflects the core principles of patient privacy and confidentiality that HIPAA establishes. HIPAA mandates that covered entities, including healthcare providers and insurers, implement safeguards to protect sensitive patient information. The regulations set clear guidelines on when and how PHI can be accessed and shared, emphasizing that information should only be disclosed for specific purposes such as treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and only when necessary. This protective framework is essential in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging individuals to share vital health information without fear of unauthorized disclosure. By prioritizing the patient's best interests in handling their health information, HIPAA ensures both individual privacy rights and the overall integrity of the healthcare system.