What role does the Department of Justice (DOJ) have under the Privacy Rule?

The Department of Justice (DOJ) plays a crucial role under the Privacy Rule primarily through criminal prosecutions. The Privacy Rule, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), establishes standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is primarily responsible for enforcing the HIPAA Civil Rights, the DOJ handles situations where there are willful violations of these privacy protections that warrant criminal prosecution.

When there are allegations of criminal wrongdoing, such as knowingly obtaining or disclosing protected health information without authorization, the DOJ steps in to investigate and prosecute these offenses. This ensures accountability and serves as a deterrent against potential violations of patient privacy rights. Thus, the DOJ's role complements the broader enforcement framework of HIPAA by addressing specifically those cases that rise to the level of criminal misconduct.