Which rule protects individual electronic personal health information?

The correct choice is the Privacy Rule. This rule is a crucial component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and specifically focuses on the protection of individual electronic personal health information (ePHI). It establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information, ensuring that patients' privacy is respected while allowing for the availability of necessary information for healthcare operations.

The Privacy Rule outlines the conditions under which personal health information may be used and disclosed, bolstering security measures to safeguard this sensitive information against unauthorized access. It requires healthcare providers, health plans, and other organizations handling medical records to implement necessary safeguards and respect patient privacy.

While the Security Rule is also related to the protection of electronic health information, it specifically addresses the technical and administrative safeguards that must be put in place to protect ePHI in electronic form, rather than the broader aspects of individual privacy rights as articulated in the Privacy Rule. The Breach Notification Rule complements these protections by requiring prompt notification to individuals when their health information is compromised.

Understanding the Privacy Rule is essential for anyone working in healthcare data management, as it lays the foundation for the ethical handling of personal health information and patient rights.