How Do I Report a HIPAA Violation?

You can report a HIPPA violation yourself.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted to minimize fraud and regulate standards in health care information. It also requires privacy for patients in regards to the handling of medical documents. If you suspect a violation of your HIPPA rights, you can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Complaints must be made in writing, but are accepted through mail, fax or email. You may use the forms available on the Office of Civil Rights website or write your own complaint.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Write Your Own Complaint

1. Write your complaint, including your full name and all of your contact information, along with the names and contact information of everyone your complaint is against. Provide a brief explanation of your complaint and what right(s) you believe were violated.

2. Go to the Office of Civil Rights of the Health and Human Services department and fill out Health Information Privacy complaint. You may print the form and fill it out or submit it electronically.

3. Sign your complaint and fax or mail it to the Office of Civil Rights in the area in which the violation occurred. You may also email your complaint to [e-mail].

Tips & Warnings

• You have 180 days from the act of violation to file a complaint.

• Send an email message to [e-mail] for help filling out these forms.

• It is against the law for you to be punished for filing a complaint.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Health Information Privacy
• California Department of Health Care Services: What is HIPPA?

Resources

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:Health Information Privacy Complaint