What does the Privacy Rule allow patients to do?

The Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows patients to restrict access to their health information. This provision empowers individuals by giving them control over who can view and handle their personal health data, ensuring that their privacy is protected. Patients have the right to request restrictions on certain disclosures of their health information to third parties, such as healthcare providers or insurers, particularly in situations where they may not wish their information to be shared, even if it's part of treatment continuity or billing processes. This aspect of the rule is crucial because it fosters trust in the healthcare system, allowing patients to feel more secure when sharing sensitive information with healthcare providers.