What is one primary goal of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996?

The primary goal of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is to ensure patient confidentiality. This landmark legislation was established to create national standards for protecting individuals' medical records and other personal health information. HIPAA provides guidelines on how healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities must handle and safeguard this sensitive information, thereby enhancing the privacy rights of patients.

By emphasizing confidentiality, HIPAA aims to prevent unauthorized access to personal health data, allowing patients to have greater control over who can view and share their information. This legal framework is critical in building trust between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals feel safe sharing their medical histories without fear of exposure or misuse of their data. Maintaining patient confidentiality not only fosters trust but also aligns with ethical considerations in healthcare.

The other options provided do not align with the fundamental objectives of HIPAA. For instance, increasing health insurance premiums and promoting employer-sponsored insurance are not priorities of this legislation. Additionally, while HIPAA does address portability of health insurance, which can affect access to care, its core emphasis remains on protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.