HHS creates new enforcement office for health privacy

HHS building

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its office responsible for enforcing health privacy reorganized so it can sharpen enforcement of cybersecurity and data breaches.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the HHS enforces the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), conducts compliance reviews, investigates complaints, and issues new rules. It also safeguards civil rights and religious freedom related to health.

The office reorganized into three divisions: enforcement, policy, and strategic planning, the HHS announced Monday. The enforcement division will be led by Luis Perez, previously the deputy director for conscience and religious freedom at the OCR.

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