Which regulation is primarily associated with the privacy of health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is primarily associated with the privacy of health information because it establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. HIPAA mandates that healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses follow strict guidelines on the handling, disclosure, and protection of health information to ensure patient privacy.

One of the crucial components of HIPAA is the Privacy Rule, which affords individuals specific rights regarding their health information and sets limits on how healthcare entities can use and share this information. This regulation plays a significant role in safeguarding patient data against unauthorized access and ensures that patients have rights over their own health information, enabling them to request corrections or access their records.

In contrast, the other regulations listed, such as the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Public Health Service Act, focus on broader aspects of healthcare, including insurance coverage, access to care, and public health management, rather than specifically addressing the privacy and security of health information.