HIPAA Enforcement and Penalties 2

Question 1

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules?

Accepted Answer

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within HHS

Answer

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules.

Question 2

Under HIPAA's tiered civil penalty structure, what is the minimum penalty per violation for the tier where the covered entity did not know of the violation?

Accepted Answer

$100

Answer

The lowest tier (unknowing violation) carries a minimum penalty of $100 per violation.

Question 3

A covered entity that discovers a potential HIPAA violation and corrects it within 30 days of discovery may avoid civil monetary penalties under which provision?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative defense of correction

Answer

HIPAA provides an affirmative defense (correction within 30 days) that can shield a covered entity from civil monetary penalties if it corrects the violation promptly.

Question 4

Criminal HIPAA penalties involving 'wrongful disclosure for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm' carry a maximum imprisonment term of:

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

The most severe criminal tier under HIPAA provides for up to 10 years in prison when the offense involves commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm.

Question 5

State attorneys general were granted authority to bring civil actions for HIPAA violations under which federal legislation?

Accepted Answer

HITECH Act of 2009

Answer

The HITECH Act of 2009 granted state attorneys general the right to bring civil actions on behalf of state residents for HIPAA violations.

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Practice Test

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Practice Test

HIPAA Enforcement and Penalties 2