Which entity enforces the HIPAA Privacy Rule in practice?

• A. Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
• B. FDA
• C. DEA
• D. CMS

Answer: (A)

The enforcement of the HIPAA Privacy Rule is handled by the Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services. OCR investigates privacy complaints, conducts compliance reviews, and can impose civil penalties or require corrective actions when violations occur, helping to ensure that protected health information is used and disclosed appropriately and that patients’ rights to access and control their PHI are respected. The other agencies—FDA and DEA—regulate their respective domains (foods, drugs, devices, and controlled substances) and are not the primary enforcers of HIPAA Privacy. CMS administers federal health programs but does not serve as the general enforcement body for HIPAA Privacy; OCR holds that enforcement authority nationwide.