Who is responsible for enforcing HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule provisions?

The responsibility for enforcing the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule provisions falls primarily to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The OCR oversees compliance with these regulations and is tasked with investigating complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and levying penalties against entities that violate HIPAA rules.

The Office for Civil Rights not only focuses on enforcing the privacy of health information but also on ensuring that individuals' rights regarding their protected health information (PHI) are upheld. Additionally, OCR provides guidance, education, and resources to help covered entities and business associates properly implement HIPAA requirements, thus promoting a culture of compliance within healthcare organizations.

While other entities, such as the Office of Inspector General or the Department of Health and Human Services in its broader role, may have related functions concerning health and safety programs, they do not specifically enforce the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules as directly as the OCR does.