Which federal law regulates the handling and protection of health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the federal law that specifically regulates the handling and protection of health information in the United States. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA aims to protect patient privacy and secure the confidentiality of health records while ensuring that appropriate information can be shared among healthcare providers to provide quality care.

HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of health information and gives patients rights over their health data, including the right to access their medical records and request corrections. This law is essential in ensuring that healthcare organizations implement safeguards to secure personal health information against breaches and unauthorized access, thereby maintaining patients' trust and confidentiality.

The other options do not accurately represent a federal law that is widely recognized for regulating health information. They may either reference acts that do not exist or are not primarily focused on health information protection. Thus, HIPAA is the correct choice for understanding the legal framework surrounding the confidentiality and security of health information.