Final answer:
The HIPAA act was passed in 1996 by Congress as the first step in healthcare reform. It sets standards for patient information protection and confidentiality of records. Therefore, the correct option is a
Step-by-step explanation:
The HIPAA act was passed in 1996 by Congress as the first incremental step in healthcare reform. This act, officially known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets the standards for the protection of patient information and requires businesses that use health information to maintain strict confidentiality of patient records. It aims to safeguard patient privacy rights and ensure the security of healthcare data.