Which act protects individuals' medical information from unauthorized disclosure?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the legislation that specifically protects individuals' medical information from unauthorized disclosure. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of health information, ensuring that personal medical records and other healthcare information are kept confidential. It requires healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates to implement safeguards to maintain the privacy and security of patients' health information.

This act is vital for maintaining trust in the healthcare system, as it gives patients rights over their personal health information, including the right to access their records and know who has shared that information. By setting these standards, HIPAA helps prevent data breaches and unauthorized access, thereby promoting the confidentiality of patients' medical records.

The other options refer to different areas of law and policy that do not focus on the privacy and security of medical information in the same way. Therefore, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is the key legislation directly related to protecting medical information.