What is the primary goal of the HIPAA Security Rule?

The primary goal of the HIPAA Security Rule is to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) through various security measures. This rule establishes a framework for safeguarding sensitive health information by implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that healthcare organizations must adhere to. It aims to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health data, thereby preventing unauthorized access, breaches, or disclosures of patient information.

While the other options mention important aspects of healthcare, they do not align with the primary intent of the Security Rule. For example, ease of data sharing can sometimes lead to potential risks, and enhancing patient engagement or simplifying billing processes does not specifically address the security of health data as mandated by HIPAA. The focus of the Security Rule is fundamentally on establishing protocols and protections for the electronic handling of health information to maintain patient privacy and data security.