Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which federal government office is responsible for investigating complaints related to HIPAA privacy?

1. Office for Civil Rights

2. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

4. Federal Trade Commission

The correct answer is: Office for Civil Rights

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal government office responsible for investigating complaints regarding HIPAA privacy. This office is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is specifically tasked with enforcing HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules. When individuals feel that their rights under HIPAA have been violated, they can file a complaint with the OCR. The office has the authority to conduct investigations, assess compliance, and impose penalties if necessary. The context of this role is important because it emphasizes how HIPAA enforcement is structured. While the Department of Health and Human Services oversees various aspects of health care and its regulations, it is the Office for Civil Rights that takes the lead specifically in handling privacy complaints. Other entities mentioned, like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, focus more on the administration of health programs rather than privacy protection, and the Federal Trade Commission generally addresses issues related to advertising, marketing, and competition rather than HIPAA enforcement. This distinction helps clarify the specific responsibilities of each agency within the broader context of health care regulation and patient privacy.