What federal law governs the privacy of patient health information?

The correct answer is based on the fact that HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, establishes national standards for the protection of patient health information. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA's primary purpose is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of individuals' health information while promoting the efficient exchange of health data.

HIPAA sets forth regulations that healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities must follow to safeguard personal health information from unauthorized access and disclosure. This includes requirements for obtaining patient consent before sharing their health information, as well as the secure handling and storage of their data.

The other laws mentioned serve different purposes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focuses on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons while maintaining job security. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) primarily relates to healthcare financing and quality of care in Medicare and Medicaid programs, and does not specifically address patient health information privacy.