HIPAA Privacy Notices
Understanding Privacy Complaints
What is a Privacy Complaint?
It’s a complaint by an individual about an act in relation to the individual's personal information that could be considered a breach of the relevant entity's privacy principles.
What can be considered a Privacy Complaint?
For a complaint to be considered a “privacy complaint,” the act must at least cover a breach of:
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Personal collections
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The sharing of personal information
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The amount of personal information
When it comes to privacy, HIPAA privacy rules cover a range of privacy definitions, requirements, and considerations. Before you file, check out our HIPAA Privacy Topic List.
What to Expect from a Privacy Complaint?
After you file your complaint, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) will determine your complaint against the HIPAA rules.
How To File a Privacy Complaint
To file a DSHS privacy complaint, you must be able to provide the following information:
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Your full name and contact information
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An accurate description of your complaint
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A summary of other steps taken
You may file a health information privacy and security complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if you feel a covered entity or business associate violated your (or someone else’s) health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy, Security or Breach Notification Rules.
Not a DSHS Privacy Complaint?
DSHS privacy office does not handle external complaints. To file an external complaint, please visit an external source.