Which law protects the privacy of health information?

• A. HIPAA
• B. FERPA
• C. ADA
• D. OSHA

Answer: (A)

HIPAA’s Privacy Rule protects the privacy of health information by defining what counts as protected health information and setting strict rules about who can access or disclose it. It applies to covered entities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics, health plans, and their business associates, and it gives individuals rights over their PHI, including how to access and correct it. Disclosures without patient authorization are limited to specific, permissible purposes, with only the minimum necessary information shared. This makes HIPAA the correct answer because it is the law that directly governs how health information is kept confidential and used in healthcare settings. Other laws serve different purposes: FERPA protects student education records, the ADA addresses disability rights and accommodations, and OSHA deals with workplace safety and health standards.