Which government agency enforces HIPAA?

• A. FDA
• B. AHRQ
• C. JC
• D. OCR

Answer: (D)

HIPAA enforcement is handled by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. OCR enforces the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule, handling complaints, conducting investigations, and performing audits of covered entities and business associates. When violations are found, OCR can require corrective actions and impose civil penalties, with fines scaling based on the severity and circumstances.

The other entities have different roles: the FDA regulates drugs, medical devices, and related products; AHRQ focuses on health services research and quality improvement; and the Joint Commission is a private accrediting organization, not a government enforcement agency for HIPAA.