Who enforces HIPAA compliance?

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This enforcement role includes investigating complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and ensuring that covered entities such as healthcare providers, health plans, and their business associates are adhering to the rules established under HIPAA. The OCR has the authority to impose penalties for violations and provide guidance on compliance, making it the key body in maintaining the privacy and security of patients' healthcare information.

While other entities may have roles in the healthcare system (like state health departments or insurance companies), they do not have the same enforcement authority regarding HIPAA compliance as the OCR does. The FBI, while it may investigate related criminal activities, does not enforce HIPAA regulations either.