Which entity is responsible for criminal enforcement of HIPAA violations?

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for the criminal enforcement of HIPAA violations. This means that when there are allegations of criminal behavior under HIPAA, such as willful neglect or malicious intent regarding the handling of protected health information (PHI), the DOJ steps in to investigate and prosecute those cases. The DOJ has the authority to bring criminal charges, which can lead to significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment for individuals or entities found guilty of such violations.

On the other hand, the other entities listed have different roles. The FDA is primarily concerned with regulating food and drug safety, while Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees the overall implementation and compliance of HIPAA, especially in an administrative capacity rather than in a criminal enforcement role. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health issues rather than the legal enforcement of healthcare regulations like HIPAA. Each of these organizations plays a crucial part in the health system, but when it comes to the prosecution of HIPAA infractions, the DOJ is the leading authority.