HIPAA Enforcement:  A Prediction

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR), responsible for enforcing HIPAA privacy regulations, is slowly but surely becoming inundated with privacy complaints requiring investigation and resolution.  OCR has begun transmitting privacy complaints to regional offices for investigation.  As of November 2003, OCR has received more than 2,800 complaints.  Prediction: OCR will delegate to State surveyors the responsibility to audit and investigate privacy complaints.