COPE Health Scholars Complete Practice Test 2025

The answer is the Privacy Rule. This rule is a critical component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is specifically designed to safeguard patients' protected health information (PHI). One of the key rights established by the Privacy Rule is the patients' right to access their own health information. This means that individuals can request and receive copies of their PHI held by healthcare providers and health plans.

The Privacy Rule not only empowers patients to obtain their information, but it also outlines the conditions under which that information must be provided. For instance, covered entities are required to comply with patients' requests for access within a specified timeframe. This ensures transparency and gives patients greater control over their own health data.

While the Security Rule focuses on protecting electronic health information from unauthorized access, the Breach Notification Rule pertains to the protocols for informing individuals when their PHI has been compromised. The Minimum Necessary Rule sets standards for limiting PHI disclosures to the least amount necessary for the intended purpose, but it does not confer access rights to patients. Thus, the Privacy Rule is the primary HIPAA regulation that confirms the right of individuals to access their own PHI.