Legal Aspects Manual

0130.010.20 Complaint Concerns Protected Health Information

Clients have the right to make a complaint about any policy or procedure used by staff to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Refer to 0130.005.10.55 Penalties, Complaints, Privacy Officer, and Administrative Requirements for the HIPAA complaint provisions. Refer a person who wants to file a complaint to the DSS Complaint Officer. Advise the individual that the he or she may be required to file a written complaint.

Persons may also file a complaint with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services if they believe that the department to include the division is not complying with HIPAA. Clients can contact write them at 200 Independence Avenue, S. W. Washington, DC 20201 or call them at 877-696-6775. Individuals may complain to the Office of Civil Rights by calling 866-627-7748 or 886-788-4989 TTY.