Which term protects the rights of patients and restricts the release of patient information?

• A. HIPPA
• B. An act that promotes patient safety
• C. Protects the rights of patients and restricts the release of patient information
• D. A system for electronic medical records

Answer: (C)

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is the rule that protects patients' privacy and controls how health information is shared. It sets the Privacy Rule and Security Rule, giving patients rights over their own health data—such as accessing records, requesting amendments, and deciding who can see their information. It also restricts disclosures to the minimum necessary and requires safeguards to protect information from unauthorized access, making sure that only authorized individuals and entities handle PHI (Protected Health Information). The other options describe broader ideas (a general act aimed at patient safety) or a technology system (an electronic medical records system) rather than the specific privacy protections and rights framework HIPAA provides.