How to File a HIPPA Complaint
- 1). Obtain a Health Information Privacy Complaint Form Package from the Office of Civil Rights. Follow the link on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website for HIPAA (see Resources below) or contact your regional Office of Civil Rights. Look for "U.S. Department of Health and Human Services" in the blue pages of your telephone book or follow the link on the HIPAA website for the regional office. Print a copy of the form or complete the form on your computer if you have a portable document file (pdf) reader or program, such as Adobe Acrobat.
- 2). Provide the information requested on the form. Identify the name and address of the physician, hospital or other “covered entity,” the actions you believe violated HIPAA and when and how the violation occurred. Explain why you believe the actions violate HIPAA. For instance, state if a health provider denied you access to your records or if someone released information without your permission. Describe the health information released. Sign the complaint, unless you submit it by email.
- 3). Mail or fax the complaint form to the Office of Civil Rights that covers your state. Locate the regional office on the back of the form. If you completed the form on the computer, email the form to OCRComplaint@hhs.gov. Print or save a copy of the completed complaint for your records.