DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and religion in programs receiving HHS funding.

Enforces HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules to protect health information.

Office of Inspector General Investigates fraudulent and unlawful business practices by HHS covered entities

Ensures entities respect individuals' rights to refuse participation in health services based on religious or moral beliefs.

Enforces protections under the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA) to encourage reporting of medical errors and patient safety concerns.

It is unlawful for agencies to take or threaten to take a personnel action against an employee because he or she disclosed wrongdoing. Personnel actions can include poor performance review, demotion, suspension, or termination