Which department enforces criminal provisions of HIPAA?

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for enforcing the criminal provisions of HIPAA. This includes prosecuting cases where individuals or entities willfully violate the privacy and security rules established under the law, particularly when such violations lead to the misuse of protected health information (PHI).

The DOJ has the authority to pursue criminal charges, which can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for serious breaches of HIPAA regulations. This enforcement role underscores the serious nature of HIPAA violations and the commitment of the federal government to protect patient privacy and ensure compliance with health information security standards.

Other departments listed may play roles in the broader enforcement of healthcare regulations or in investigating violations, but they do not specifically handle the criminal enforcement aspect of HIPAA. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services primarily oversees the administrative enforcement and civil penalties associated with HIPAA compliance, while the FBI may investigate potential violations but does not prosecute them.