In terms of medical records, what does HIPAA aim to ensure?

The primary goal of HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is to ensure confidentiality and privacy of medical records and other personal health information. This legislation was established to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information from being disclosed without patient consent or knowledge.

By enforcing strict guidelines on how personal health information should be handled and shared, HIPAA helps patients feel secure that their sensitive information is only accessible to authorized entities. This focus on safeguarding privacy directly aligns with the objectives of HIPAA, making it a fundamental aspect of the healthcare system's responsibility to its patients.

While other aspects, such as timely access to healthcare, lower costs, and quality of care are important in the healthcare landscape, they are not the core focus of HIPAA legislation aimed specifically at protecting patient information. Hence, the emphasis on confidentiality and privacy is what makes this option correct.