What entity enforces the HIPAA privacy rules?

The enforcement of HIPAA privacy rules falls under the jurisdiction of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The OCR is responsible for ensuring compliance with the HIPAA regulations. This includes investigating complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing education on the privacy and security provisions outlined in HIPAA.

The OCR has the authority to impose penalties for violations of HIPAA, making it the principal enforcement body focused specifically on the privacy aspects of health information. By overseeing the adherence to these rules, the OCR plays a critical role in protecting patient privacy and ensuring that healthcare entities handle sensitive information appropriately and securely.

While the Department of Health and Human Services as a whole is involved in the broader regulatory framework regarding healthcare, it is the OCR that directly enforces the privacy rules, making this option the most accurate in relation to the question. Other entities listed do not have enforcement roles specific to HIPAA regulations.