Which HIPAA privacy rule allows patients to receive a copy of their Protected Health Information (PHI)?

The correct answer focuses on the right of patients to access their Protected Health Information (PHI), which is a critical aspect of the HIPAA privacy rule. This right empowers individuals by allowing them to inspect their health records and obtain copies of their PHI from healthcare providers and health plans.

The importance of this right lies in giving patients control and transparency regarding their own medical information. This access can help patients stay informed about their health status and ensure accuracy in their records, which is essential for effective medical care and decision-making.

In the context of HIPAA, this provision is significant because it enhances patient engagement in their own health care and fosters trust between patients and providers by ensuring that patients have the ability to review and understand the information held about them. This access is not only beneficial for personal health management but is also integral to promoting accountability within healthcare systems.

The other choices pertain to different rights under HIPAA, like requesting restrictions on disclosure, amending PHI, or receiving confidential communications, which do not specifically address the right to access and obtain copies of PHI.