Which office administers the civil enforcement of HIPAA?

The civil enforcement of HIPAA is administered by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This office is responsible for ensuring compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Security Rule, which protect the privacy of individuals' health information.

OCR investigates complaints, conducts compliance reviews, and can impose civil monetary penalties for violations of HIPAA. It plays a crucial role in the enforcement of patients’ rights regarding their health information and oversees the implementation of protections designed to safeguard that information.

While the Department of Health and Human Services provides broad oversight of health-related matters, and agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services focus on specific health programs, the OCR is specifically tasked with enforcing civil violations of HIPAA regulations. The National Institute of Health primarily conducts and supports medical research, which further distinguishes its functions from those of the OCR. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the designated role of the OCR in managing HIPAA compliance and enforcement.