What type of health information does the HIPAA security rule establish standards for?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule specifically establishes standards for the protection of electronic health information. This rule is designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The focus on electronic records stems from the increasing reliance on digital systems for health record keeping and the associated risks that come with electronic data storage and transmission, such as cyber threats and unauthorized access.

The standards outlined in the HIPAA security rule address administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that covered entities and their business associates must implement to protect ePHI. This includes requirements for access control, audit controls, integrity controls, and transmission security, among others. By targeting electronic health information, the rule aims to provide a framework for secure handling of sensitive data in today's increasingly digital healthcare environment.