To which office should patients report perceived violations of HIPAA?

Patients should report perceived violations of HIPAA to the DHHS Office for Civil Rights. This office is specifically responsible for enforcing the Privacy and Security Rules established under HIPAA, which protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. When a patient believes their HIPAA rights have been violated, the Office for Civil Rights is the federal agency equipped to handle such complaints, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with the law.

The other options do provide important services but do not specifically handle HIPAA violations. The State Health Department may oversee healthcare facilities but is not the designated body for HIPAA enforcement. Local Law Enforcement may handle criminal activities but would not typically engage in HIPAA-related complaints unless there is evidence of criminal wrongdoing tied to a breach of health information. Similarly, while a Patient Advocacy Center can assist patients with many healthcare-related issues, it is not the authority that addresses HIPAA violations in a formal capacity. Thus, the most appropriate course of action for patients suspecting HIPAA violations is to contact the DHHS Office for Civil Rights.