Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?

1. To regulate medical expenses

2. To protect patients' rights and privacy

3. To provide medical insurance

4. To manage health care personnel responsibilities

The correct answer is: To protect patients' rights and privacy

The primary purpose of HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to protect patients' rights and privacy. This legislation was established to provide patients with rights over their health information, ensuring that such information is kept confidential and secure. It establishes standards for the protection of health information and outlines the permissible uses and disclosures of that information by covered entities like healthcare providers and health plans. Through HIPAA, patients can access their medical records, request corrections, and have greater control over who their information is shared with, which is fundamental to maintaining trust in the healthcare system. The emphasis on privacy and security helps prevent unauthorized access and misuse of personal health information, directly supporting patients' rights. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of HIPAA. While regulations concerning medical expenses, medical insurance provision, and healthcare personnel responsibilities are important components of the healthcare system, they do not capture the core objectives of HIPAA, which revolves around safeguarding patient privacy and rights.