How to Report a Store for HIPAA Violations
Violations of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, can have lasting consequences for the person whose information is compromised. Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for a customer or employee's private information to be unlawfully released by a retail store. In such instances, it is best to report the store for violating HIPAA.
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Instructions
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Download the Office for Civil Rights Health Information Privacy Complaint form at the Office for Civil Rights official website (www.hhs.gov/ocr/); click on the top tab labeled "Health Information Privacy," then click on the link titled "How to File a Complaint" on the left side of the page. Or you can call 877-696-6775 and ask that a form be mailed, emailed or faxed to you.
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Print out the form and write in all of the requested information. Forms filled out in their entirety are easier to process without delay.
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Send your completed form to the appropriate Office for Civil Rights regional address listed on the bottom of your form. You can also email your form to OCRComplaint@hhs.gov. If you prefer to fax it back, use the fax number listed under the appropriate regional Office for Civil Rights location listed on your form.
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Contact the Office for Civil Rights at 877-696-6775 or email OCRMail@hhs.gov if you need help filling out your complaint form. The Office for Civil Rights handles HIPAA complaints; there is no cost to call or email them for help.
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If you prefer not to use the Office for Civil Rights complaint form, send a letter, fax or email to OCRComplaint@hhs.gov with the following information: your name; current full address; phone number; email address (optional); name of patient, reporter or provider whose information was allegedly compromised, if known; name, address and phone number of store you believe is responsible for compromising the information; description of how and why you believe the store is responsible; any other pertinent information you have; your written signature and date of your complaint.
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Tips & Warnings
File your complaint within 180 days from the date you become aware that a violation took place--that is the time limit. If you show good cause for going past 180 days, the Office for Civil Rights may grant you a waiver.
