7.2 The HIPAA Enforcement Rule

The HSS has created the Enforcement Rule for HIPAA compliance. This Rule explains directives for investigation, compliance, and penalties for violating HIPAA rules.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can fine organizations for avoidable ePHI breaches under the Enforcement Role, and the OCR is responsible for enforcing the Rule.

Financial penalties and other HIPAA sanctions under the purview of the Enforcement Rule discourage HIPAA violations. At the same time, they ensure that covered entities are held accountable for protecting a patient’s privacy, health data’s confidentiality, and patients’ access to their health records when requested.