Which office is responsible for enforcing both the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule?

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the entity responsible for enforcing both the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Privacy Rule ensures that individuals' health information is properly protected while allowing necessary information flow for high-quality healthcare. This rule establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information.

Additionally, the Security Rule sets standards for safeguarding electronic protected health information (ePHI), requiring covered entities and their business associates to implement specific administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. The OCR is tasked with the investigation and resolution of complaints concerning violations of these regulations, making it the primary enforcement body within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the protection of health information.

While the Department of Health and Human Services oversees health policies and programs, the OCR specifically focuses on civil rights and privacy protections within those policies. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) primarily deals with audits and investigations related to healthcare fraud and abuse, rather than direct enforcement of privacy and security rules. The Health Information Technology Office (HITO) is involved in promoting health IT initiatives but does not have enforcement authority concerning the Privacy and Security Rules.