Part 2: Basic Patient Rights (FAQ 49 of 65)

Right to Complain to the Secretary of HHS

49. What Should I do if I See a Privacy Violation?

We think that you should at least consider filing a complaint. You never know when the Department of HHS will decide that privacy deserves a greater priority. A new Secretary or a new staff at the Office of Civil Rights may give privacy more attention.

It is important for the public to show interest in privacy laws. It is bad enough when the government and covered entities do not act to protect patients. People must speak for themselves when they see a privacy violation. Not every violation may be worthy of a federal complaint, but if something happened that affected your privacy and you are upset about it, you should file a complaint.

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