Who can enforce HIPAA violations?

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing HIPAA regulations. The OCR handles complaints, conducts investigations, and oversees compliance efforts specifically related to the privacy and security rules established by HIPAA. Their role includes evaluating allegations of HIPAA violations, seeking compliance through investigations, and imposing penalties for violations.

While state health departments and the Department of Justice play roles in healthcare oversight and certain legal enforcement activities, the OCR is uniquely designated to enforce HIPAA violations. State health departments may address health-related issues within their jurisdiction, and the Department of Justice may prosecute criminal cases associated with HIPAA violations, but the OCR is focused solely on enforcing HIPAA provisions. Therefore, the correct answer is that the Office for Civil Rights is the entity directly responsible for enforcing violations of HIPAA.