How to Report a HIPAA Violation in Ohio

HIPAA ensures your health information stays private.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was enacted in 1996 and is meant to protect the privacy of individuals in regard to health information and medical records. HIPAA violations should be reported to the Office for Civil Rights in the area where the violation occurred. Ohio is served by the Region V Office for Civil Rights, located in Chicago, Ill. Any Ohio resident who wishes to report a HIPAA violation can do so through email or by visiting the regional office.

Instructions

1. Obtain a Health Information Privacy Complaint Form, either online (see Resources) or by visiting the Region V Office for Civil Rights (see Resources).

2. Fill out the Health Information Privacy Complaint Form. Be sure to sign and date the form. If you are filling out the form online, no signature is needed, as sending the form through email constitutes an electronic signature.

3. Include details in your complaint. Do not be vague about the violation that occurred. Be sure to include dates, locations and names of everyone involved, as well as any action you believe may have violated your HIPAA rights. You should also list any witnesses to the violation that occurred.

4. Mail, fax or drop off your complaint form to the Region V Office for Civil Rights (see Resources). You may also email the form if you filled it out online. Email complaint forms to [e-mail].

References

• Department of Health and Human Services, Health Information Privacy: How to File a Complaint

Resources

• Department of Health and Human Services: Office for Civil Rights: Headquarts and Regional Addresses
• Office for Civil Rights: Health Information Privacy Complaint Form