How does the HITECH Act aim to enhance individual privacy protections?

The HITECH Act aims to enhance individual privacy protections primarily by mandating that individuals are notified when their personal health information has been breached. This requirement for breach notification ensures that patients are aware of any unauthorized access to their information, which allows them to take necessary measures to protect themselves. It underscores the importance of transparency between healthcare entities and individuals regarding the handling of personal health information, thereby strengthening trust in the healthcare system.

By requiring timely breach notifications, the regulation not only empowers individuals with knowledge about their own health information but also instills a sense of accountability among healthcare providers and entities that handle this sensitive data, contributing to improved data security practices overall.