The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws, conscience and religious freedom laws, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, and the Patient Safety Act and Rule, which together protect your fundamental rights of nondiscrimination, conscience, religious freedom, and health information privacy. OCR protects your rights by:
- Teaching health and social service workers about civil rights laws, conscience and religious freedom laws, health information privacy, and patient safety confidentiality laws.
- Educating communities about civil rights, conscience and religious freedom rights, and health information privacy rights.
- Investigating civil rights, conscience and religious freedom, health information privacy, and patient safety confidentiality complaints to identify discrimination or violation of the law and taking action to correct problems.
Mission & Vision
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights' (OCR) Mission and Vision.
Leadership
OCR’s leaders are public servants committed to your civil and privacy rights.
Budget & Systems
Review OCR’s annual Congressional Justifications and Systems of Records Notices (SORNs).
Jobs & Internships
Help protect the civil and privacy rights of millions of people with an OCR career or internship.
Contact Us
Get contact information for inquiries, OCR headquarters, and OCR regional offices.
