Final answer:
The national database created under HIPAA to centralize information on fraud and abuse, as mentioned in the question, is the c) Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB).
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the regulations established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), mandated measures to deter, detect, and punish healthcare fraud and abuse led to the creation of a national database. This data bank serves as a centralized repository for information and is known as the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB). The HIPDB plays a critical role in consolidating data on healthcare fraud and abuse and is utilized by various entities, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, to ensure compliance and to safeguard patient privacy.
Given the significance of secure handling of electronic health records, HIPAA has established stringent regulations to safeguard patient data, thus preventing unauthorized access and potential abuse. The creation of the HIPDB represents one of the measures aimed at fostering transparency and integrity within the healthcare sector. The correct answer to the student's question is (c) Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank.