Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) Practice Questions 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct answer is C, HHS, which stands for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This agency plays a crucial role as the federal authority overseeing the enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HHS has a dedicated Office for Civil Rights (OCR) that specifically handles the enforcement of HIPAA's privacy and security rules. This includes investigating complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and promoting education regarding HIPAA provisions.

The role of HHS is essential because HIPAA is designed to safeguard the privacy and security of individuals' health information, making the agency a pivotal player in maintaining healthcare confidentiality and accountability. The OCR not only enforces compliance but also has the authority to impose penalties for violations, which underscores the importance of its role in the oversight of health information privacy across the United States.

Other federal agencies mentioned have distinct mandates that do not focus primarily on HIPAA enforcement. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concentrates on consumer protection and fair trade practices, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) deals with financial consumer protection. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is concerned with regulating interstate and international communications, further differentiating its focus from the healthcare sector addressed by HIPAA.