Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which entity should an individual contact if they believe their HIPAA Privacy Rule rights have been violated?

1. Office for Civil Rights

2. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

4. Health Information Management Association

The correct answer is: Office for Civil Rights

To address concerns regarding potential violations of HIPAA Privacy Rule rights, an individual should contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This office is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is specifically responsible for enforcing HIPAA regulations, including overseeing compliance with the Privacy Rule. The OCR investigates complaints related to HIPAA violations, providing a dedicated avenue for individuals to report breaches of their protected health information. They have the authority to impose penalties on covered entities that fail to comply with the Privacy Rule, making them the appropriate contact for individuals seeking recourse. While the Department of Health and Human Services oversees a variety of health-related regulations, including HIPAA, the OCR within HHS is the specialized entity that directly handles privacy complaints. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services focuses more on the administration of these programs rather than privacy issues. The Health Information Management Association, while related to health information handling, does not have the regulatory authority to address HIPAA violations. Therefore, reaching out to the Office for Civil Rights is the correct course of action for individuals concerned about their HIPAA Privacy Rule rights.