Which agency is tasked with accepting and investigating complaints associated with the Privacy Rule?

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This includes accepting and investigating complaints related to potential violations of the Privacy Rule, which governs the protection of individuals' health information. The OCR's role is crucial in safeguarding the privacy rights of patients by ensuring that healthcare entities comply with federal privacy regulations.

This responsibility involves not only handling complaints but also providing guidance to healthcare providers and organizations on how to properly administer and protect personal health information. It plays a key part in education and outreach to promote understanding and compliance with HIPAA regulations among covered entities. The OCR's enforcement capabilities include various actions, such as conducting compliance reviews, investigations, and negotiating settlements if violations are found, making it the primary agency for matters regarding the Privacy Rule.