Which organization administers and enforces the standards set by the Privacy Rule?

The organization that administers and enforces the standards set by the Privacy Rule is the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The Privacy Rule, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. The Office for Civil Rights, as a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is specifically tasked with overseeing the implementation and enforcement of these privacy regulations.

The OCR not only ensures compliance with the Privacy Rule but also investigates complaints, conducts compliance reviews, and provides overall guidance to covered entities and business associates on how to handle protected health information (PHI). This role is crucial in promoting adherence to privacy protections and addressing any potential breaches or violations.

The other organizations mentioned do not have a role in enforcing the Privacy Rule: the Department of Justice focuses on legal enforcement and prosecution of federal laws, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deals primarily with public health and safety issues, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to medical research. Each of these agencies has important functions within the healthcare landscape but does not enforce the standards established by the Privacy Rule.