What is the main focus of the Privacy Rule?

The main focus of the Privacy Rule is to protect the electronic exchange of health information. This regulation, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information. The Privacy Rule is designed to ensure that individuals' health information is properly handled and safeguarded, especially in electronic formats where the risk of unauthorized access or breaches is higher.

By setting these privacy standards, the rule empowers patients with rights over their health information, including rights to access their records and request corrections. It also places limits on how healthcare providers, plans, and clearinghouses can use and share patient information without consent, thereby prioritizing patient confidentiality and control over personal health data.

The other options do not align with the primary goal of the Privacy Rule. While maximizing patient volume, ensuring patient safety, and standardizing billing practices are important aspects of healthcare administration, they do not relate directly to the protective measures established for health information privacy.