What does the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect?

The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily focuses on the protection of patient privacy and the security of personal health information. It establishes rules and guidelines that healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities must follow to safeguard patients' medical records and other health-related information. By regulating how personal health information is handled, HIPAA ensures that individuals have control over their own medical information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or breaches of confidentiality.

The other options do not align with the specific purpose of HIPAA. While the rights of aerospace workers and aircraft maintenance records pertain to occupational safety and aviation standards, they are governed by different regulations and laws, not by HIPAA. Flight safety regulations also deal with aviation safety and operational procedures, which further diverts from the focus of HIPAA. Thus, the emphasis on patient privacy and securing personal health information is the cornerstone of HIPAA's intent and impact.