The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule grants individuals specific rights regarding the use and disclosure of their protected health information (PHI). These rights are designed to give individuals more control over their health information and to protect the privacy and security of their sensitive data. Here are the key rights granted to individuals under the HIPAA Privacy Rule:

1. Right to Access and Inspect PHI:
   • Individuals have the right to access and inspect their own PHI held by covered entities. This includes the right to obtain copies of their health records and request explanations of the information.
2. Right to Request Amendments:
   • Individuals can request amendments to their PHI if they believe the information is inaccurate or incomplete. Covered entities are required to consider and, if necessary, make the requested amendments.
3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures:
   • Individuals have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of their PHI made by covered entities. This includes disclosures for purposes other than treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
4. Right to Request Restrictions on Use and Disclosure:
   • Individuals can request restrictions on how their PHI is used or disclosed for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. However, covered entities are not obligated to agree to such restrictions.
5. Right to Request Confidential Communications:
   • Individuals have the right to request that communications containing their PHI be made in a certain way or at a specific location to protect their privacy.
6. Right to Opt-Out of Fundraising Communications:
   • Individuals have the right to opt-out of receiving fundraising communications from healthcare providers.
7. Right to File a Complaint:
   • Individuals can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. The OCR is responsible for enforcing the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
8. Right to Receive Notice of Privacy Practices:
   • Covered entities are required to provide individuals with a notice of privacy practices that explains how their PHI will be used and disclosed. Individuals have the right to receive this notice and to understand their privacy rights.
9. Right to Opt-Out of PHI Disclosure to Health Plans:
   • Individuals have the right to opt-out of the disclosure of their PHI to health plans if they pay for healthcare services out of pocket in full.
10. Right to Access Privacy Policies:
    • Individuals have the right to know the privacy policies of covered entities and business associates that handle their PHI.

It’s important to note that these rights apply to covered entities (healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses) and their business associates that handle PHI. Covered entities are required to provide individuals with information about their privacy rights and how their PHI is used and disclosed. The Privacy Rule is designed to strike a balance between protecting individual privacy and allowing the necessary use and disclosure of PHI for healthcare purposes.