What kind of records does HITECH focus on expanding protection and security?

HITECH, or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, primarily focuses on the protection and security of Electronic Health Records (EHR). This legislation was enacted to promote the adoption of health information technology and to enhance the privacy and security protections for health information, particularly as it moves into electronic formats. By emphasizing EHR, HITECH aims to ensure that individuals' health information is safeguarded against breaches and unauthorized access, which is increasingly important in a digitally-driven healthcare environment.

In this context, while other records such as insurance records and various types of provider records are important, the specific focus of HITECH is on electronic health records, as these are central to the modern healthcare infrastructure and the movement towards electronic health information exchange. This emphasis helps healthcare providers implement better security measures and adopt technology that not only improves patient care but also maintains the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive health information.