Contact the DSHS HIPAA Privacy Officer
Contact Information for Privacy Concerns and Issues
HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules apply to covered entities. A covered entity is a health plan, health care clearinghouse, and any health care provider that conducts certain health care transactions electronically.
If you believe that a covered entity violated your (or someone else's) health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy or Security Rules, you may file a complaint with the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is the federal entity that enforces HIPAA. Visit the OCR HIPAA and Reproductive Health website or call the at 1-866-627-7748 (voicemail).
Contact Information for Consumer Complaints against Licensed Professionals
The Division of Consumer Protection within the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees licensing for, enforcement of, and compliance with standards and regulations for credentialed professionals.
To report a HIPAA complaint against a credentialed professional regulated by DSHS, go to the HIPAA Privacy Notices - How To File a Privacy Complaint or call 1-800-942-5540.
Contact Information for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) HIPAA Privacy Officer
Many DSHS programs are affected by the HHS Privacy Rule. The Rule requires DSHS HIPAA programs that are covered entities to have a designated privacy officer responsible for developing and implementing privacy policies and procedures.
The DSHS HIPAA Privacy Officer is authorized to provide advice on HIPAA matters only to DSHS programs and DSHS employees. The DSHS HIPAA Privacy Officer cannot answer questions or provide advice on HIPAA-related matters to external entities or the general public.
If you are a DSHS employee or have a HIPAA concern about a specific DSHS program or service, please contact the DSHS HIPAA Privacy Officer at hipaa.privacy@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-6502.
For all other concerns or complaints, please contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. This office receives and reviews complaints against covered entities and their business associates. You can find more information about filing a complaint here.