Which federal office is responsible for investigating HIPAA violations?

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is specifically designated as the federal office responsible for investigating violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This role includes enforcing the privacy and security provisions of HIPAA, which protect individuals' health information. The OCR has the authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations, and impose penalties for non-compliance with HIPAA regulations. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare entities adhere to federal standards regarding the protection of personal health information.

The other options refer to different federal entities with varied responsibilities. The Health and Human Services (HHS) encompasses a broad array of health policies but does not directly enforce HIPAA; rather, it oversees the OCR, which handles specific compliance issues. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) focuses on consumer protection and preventing anti-competitive business practices but is not responsible for health information privacy. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is involved in federal law enforcement and can sometimes prosecute HIPAA-related offenses, but it does not investigate HIPAA violations as a primary function.