What does HIPAA hold violators accountable for?

The correct answer emphasizes that HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) focuses on protecting patient privacy and securing their health information. Under HIPAA, healthcare providers and organizations are mandated to safeguard the confidentiality of a patient’s medical records and other personal health information. When violations occur, such as unauthorized access to or disclosure of this sensitive information, the law holds those responsible accountable for infringing upon patients' rights to privacy.

This focus on protecting patient privacy rights is fundamental to HIPAA's purpose, which is to establish a national standard for the protection of health information. The law allows for penalties against individuals or entities that fail to comply with its regulations, ensuring that patients’ rights are prioritized in healthcare settings.

The other choices, while relevant to healthcare operations, do not align with the core intent of HIPAA. Billing discrepancies, inadequate care procedures, and incomplete medical records may be issues in the healthcare delivery process, but they do not directly address the specific legal accountability that HIPAA establishes for privacy violations.