What is one of the main objectives of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act?

The main objective of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to ensure the confidentiality of patient medical information. HIPAA was enacted primarily to protect patients' sensitive health information from being disclosed without their consent or knowledge. This includes establishing national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information, thereby fostering trust in the healthcare system.

By mandating safeguards and administrative controls, HIPAA ensures that healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities that handle patient data adhere to strict guidelines, thus reinforcing the importance of privacy and security in medical records. This aspect is crucial in an environment where personal health data is increasingly vulnerable to unauthorized access and breaches.

Other aspects of HIPAA, such as reducing paperwork or combating fraud, are important but do not encompass the primary purpose, which centers on confidentiality and safeguarding patient information from unauthorized access.