Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is true regarding HIPAA's privacy rule?

1. It applies only to written patient information

2. It aims to secure patient’s health information

3. It does not cover electronic health records

4. It allows any disclosure of patient information

The correct answer is: It aims to secure patient’s health information

The statement regarding HIPAA's privacy rule that aims to secure patient’s health information is accurate as it reflects the primary purpose of the regulation. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established to protect sensitive patient information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. The privacy rule sets limits on the use and disclosure of health information, ensuring that patients have control over who accesses their medical data. Healthcare providers and organizations are required to implement safeguards to ensure confidentiality and to follow specific protocols when handling patient information. The other options fall short of accurately representing the provisions of HIPAA. For instance, HIPAA applies to all forms of patient information, not just written material, emphasizing protection across various formats including oral and electronic communications. Additionally, electronic health records are covered under HIPAA, ensuring that electronic information is equally protected. Lastly, HIPAA does not allow for any and all disclosures of patient information; rather, it restricts disclosures to specific circumstances, ensuring that patients' privacy rights are upheld.