If a compliance officer has questions regarding discrimination in healthcare programs, which office should they contact?

The correct choice is the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) because this office is specifically responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in healthcare settings. These laws ensure that individuals receive fair treatment regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex, specifically in programs and activities that receive federal funding.

When a compliance officer has concerns related to discrimination or the application of these civil rights laws in healthcare, the OCR is the go-to agency for guidance and assistance. They provide resources, training, and oversight to ensure compliance with these important regulations.

Other options, while relevant to healthcare in various capacities, do not focus specifically on discrimination issues. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) deals primarily with combating fraud, waste, and abuse in federal healthcare programs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees national health policies but is broader in scope and does not directly address discrimination concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses mainly on public health issues and disease prevention, rather than civil rights enforcement.