Final answer:
HIPAA was established to ensure the privacy and security of an individual's health information and to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal health details.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created is to help keep health information private and secure. HIPAA was passed into law in 1996 and sets the standards for the protection of patient information. This act requires entities that handle health information, like insurance companies and healthcare providers, to maintain strict confidentiality of patient records, safeguarding against the unauthorized, nonconsensual release of individually identifiable health information to any entity not actively engaged in the care of a patient.
The concern over privacy rights, especially with the ability to potentially discriminate against individuals based on their genetic makeup or health conditions, has driven the enactment of HIPAA. Furthermore, the law was aimed at controlling the spread and misuse of personal health information which could affect a person's access to health care and employment opportunities.