What does HIPAA primarily focus on?

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, primarily focuses on protecting patient health information. The law was enacted to ensure that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential and secure. It establishes national standards for the protection of health information, which includes how this information may be used and disclosed, as well as the rights of patients regarding their health data.

By safeguarding patient health information, HIPAA aims to ensure that patients’ privacy is respected and that their sensitive data is only accessed or shared in appropriate circumstances. This focus on protection is essential in maintaining trust in the healthcare system, as patients need to feel secure that their personal health details will not be misused or disclosed inappropriately.

The other options either do not align with the primary objective of HIPAA or focus on aspects that are not central to its purpose. For instance, while healthcare costs and technology are relevant topics in the broader context of healthcare, they are not the main focus of HIPAA. The act is specifically concerned with maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of patient information rather than imposing restrictions on healthcare workers’ access to information or addressing cost-related issues within the healthcare system.