Which agency is responsible for overseeing HIPAA compliance regarding personal health information?

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and overseeing compliance matters related to personal health information. HHS established the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is specifically tasked with enforcing the privacy and security provisions of HIPAA. This includes investigating complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and managing civil monetary penalties for HIPAA violations. HHS also provides guidance and resources to organizations concerning HIPAA regulations, promoting understanding and adherence to the law among healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities that handle personal health information. This central role makes HHS the appropriate agency for overseeing HIPAA compliance.