What is the federal entity that provides specific guidelines for patient privacy?

The federal entity that provides specific guidelines for patient privacy is the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which enforces the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information and ensures patients' rights to access their medical records. It mandates safeguards to secure personal health information and outlines the circumstances under which this information can be disclosed.