What can a patient who feels their privacy has been violated under HIPAA do?

A patient who feels their privacy has been violated under HIPAA has several avenues for redress, which include both addressing the issue directly with the covered entity and escalating the matter to regulatory authorities.

When a patient chooses to complain to the covered entity, they are initiating a process that allows the organization to address and investigate their concerns internally. This is important as it gives the entity an opportunity to rectify any issues and enhance compliance with HIPAA regulations.

In addition, a patient can register a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees HIPAA compliance on a national level. This option provides an avenue for escalation if the patient feels that their concerns were not adequately addressed by the covered entity, and it can lead to investigations or penalties against the entity if warranted.

Together, these actions empower patients by giving them both a voice within the healthcare system and access to higher authorities that ensure their rights under HIPAA are upheld. They emphasize the importance of maintaining privacy and compliance with regulations designed to protect patient health information.