What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

The main purpose of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is to protect the privacy of individuals' health information. This is achieved through a set of regulations that ensure the confidentiality and security of personal health data. Specifically, HIPAA establishes national standards to safeguard individuals' medical records and other personal health information, ensuring that this data is not disclosed without the individual's consent or knowledge.

While the other choices touch on aspects that healthcare may involve, they do not capture the primary focus of HIPAA. For instance, providing access to health services is important in healthcare but is not the core intent of HIPAA. Similarly, while health insurance premiums are relevant in the context of health insurance reform, HIPAA itself does not directly regulate these costs. Lastly, standardizing medical procedures is a practical need in healthcare, yet it is not a central aim of HIPAA legislation. The essence of HIPAA lies in its commitment to ensuring that individuals maintain control over their own health information, thereby fostering privacy and trust in the healthcare system.