Office for Civil Rights (Department of Health and Human Services)

Office for Civil Rights (Department of Health and Human Services)
Type:	Government
Parent organization:	United States Department of Health and Human Services
Employees:	242
Executive:	Director
Budget:	$58 million (FY 2023)
Address:	200 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20201
Website:	https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/
Creation Legislation:	Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Wikipedia:	Office for Civil Rights (Department of Health and Human Services)

Office for Civil Rights (Department of Health and Human Services)

This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

Mission
To ensure equal access to and non-discrimination in health and human services programs through enforcement of civil rights, conscience, and health information privacy laws; to protect individual rights to privacy and non-discrimination.

Services
Civil Rights Enforcement; Privacy Compliance; Health Information Protection

Regulations
Enforces HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules among others

Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services (OCR) works to protect the civil rights of individuals and ensure compliance with health information privacy laws within programs administered by HHS.

Official Site

Mission

OCR's mission is to advance and protect the civil rights of individuals in health and human services through the enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination and protect personal health information. It aims to ensure that all people have equal access to services and privacy in their health care.

Parent organization

OCR is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Legislation

OCR was established under the authority of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Partners

Other federal agencies with civil rights enforcement responsibilities
State and local governments
Health care providers, insurers, and covered entities under HIPAA

Number of employees

Approximately 242 employees work for OCR.

Organization structure

Office of the Director provides strategic direction.
Health Information Privacy Division ensures compliance with HIPAA.
Civil Rights Division addresses discrimination issues.
Conscience and Religious Freedom Division handles complaints related to religious freedom and conscience protections.

List of programs

HIPAA Compliance and Enforcement
Civil Rights Investigations and Resolutions
Conscience and Religious Freedom Protections
Outreach and Education on Civil Rights and Privacy Laws

Last total enacted budget

The budget for OCR in Fiscal Year 2023 was approximately $58 million.

Leader

OCR is led by a Director.

Services provided

OCR provides services by enforcing laws related to civil rights, health information privacy, and conscience protections. This includes investigating complaints of discrimination, ensuring HIPAA compliance, offering guidance and education on these laws, and mediating or litigating to resolve violations.

Regulations overseen

OCR oversees the enforcement of several regulations, including:

- HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules - Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which prohibits discrimination in health programs or activities - Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Conscience protection statutes like the Church Amendments, Coats-Snowe Amendment, and Weldon Amendment

Headquarters address

200 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20201

Website

https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/

Wikipedia article

wikipedia:Office for Civil Rights (United States Department of Health and Human Services)

External links