Student Volunteer

As a law enforcement agency, OCR investigates complaints, conducts compliance reviews, develops policy, promulgates regulations, and provides technical assistance. In addition, OCR educates the public about (1) federal civil rights and conscience laws that prohibit recipients of HHS federal financial assistance ("Covered Entities") from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, and conscience, and (2) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy, security, and breach notification laws that protect the privacy and security of health information. Through its work, OCR endeavors to promote and protect the privacy of individuals' health information privacy and the security of our nation's health care systems -- and thereby protect our national security -- including implementing and enforcing the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules and the Patient Safety Act and Rule. OCR also aims to safeguard