FAQs > Patients and Families

Where can I get more information about my health privacy rights?

To get started, we recommend the following summaries from the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):

• Privacy and Your Health Information (2 pages, PDF)
• Your Health Information Privacy Rights (2 pages, PDF)

The materials on this site provide additional information on a broad range of privacy topics.

What if I want to file a complaint about a privacy violation?

If you believe your privacy has been compromised by a health care organization, you have several options.

• File a complaint with the health organization's privacy official.
• File a complaint directly with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. Instructions are available in English and en Español.
• File a complaint with a state government agency.
• Consult an attorney.

Note that federal regulations forbid intimidation or retaliation against a person who files a complaint.

Can I ask for information or advice from you?

We do our best to answer all questions sent to us. Please remember that, as our disclaimer notes, this is an educational site. We are educators, and the information we provide is for educational purposes. We do not and cannot provide professional advice, such as legal advice.

 

Last modified: 26-Mar-2006