Which two main rules are established by HIPAA?

The correct answer highlights the two fundamental components of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule.

The Privacy Rule establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and personal health information, specifically addressing how that information may be used and disclosed by covered entities. It emphasizes individuals’ rights regarding their health information, including the right to access their records and to request corrections.

The Security Rule complements this by focusing specifically on safeguarding electronic protected health information (ePHI). It sets out security standards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI, mandating that covered entities implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure compliance.

Together, these two rules form the foundation of HIPAA requirements, ensuring that sensitive health information is not only kept confidential but also securely managed in electronic formats, thereby protecting patients' rights and promoting trust in the healthcare system.