Which rule addresses the handling of paper files and oral information?

The Privacy Rule is indeed the aspect of HIPAA that directly addresses the handling of paper files and oral information. It establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and personal health information, regardless of the medium used to store or transmit that information. This includes both electronic and non-electronic forms, which encompasses paper files, spoken communications, and any other method of sharing personal health information.

The Privacy Rule outlines the acceptable uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI) and dictates that healthcare providers, health plans, and other covered entities must implement safeguards to protect this information from being accessed or shared improperly. It ensures that individuals' privacy rights are safeguarded, emphasizing respect for personal health information while allowing for necessary healthcare operations.

In contrast, the Security Rule specifically focuses on the protection of electronic PHI and the necessary administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure that this information remains secure. Other options such as the Compliance Rule and Regulatory Rule do not exist as formally defined components within the framework of HIPAA, making them irrelevant in this context. The emphasis of the Privacy Rule on both paper and oral information establishes it as the correct choice in this scenario.