Patient privacy refers to the right of individuals to keep their personal health information confidential. This includes details about their medical history, treatments, and any other sensitive data. Healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, are required to protect this information to ensure that it is not disclosed without the patient's consent. Laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States set strict guidelines for how patient information should be handled. These regulations help safeguard against unauthorized access and ensure that patients can trust their healthcare providers to respect their privacy.