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Related medical records and patient rights resources.
Healthcare violations don't fix themselves. The right complaint, filed with the right agency, creates an actual record—and sometimes changes outcomes.
File a complaint with the appropriate agency: the HHS Office for Civil Rights for HIPAA violations, your state health department for facility issues, or the state medical board for provider misconduct. This guide covers step-by-step instructions for each type.
Your records shared without permission, your access denied, your protected health information used for purposes you didn't authorize
Cyberattacks, ransomware, unauthorized database access, stolen devices containing your health information
Medical errors, unsafe conditions, inadequate care, professional misconduct
Wrongful claim denials, delay tactics, unfair treatment
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Do not delay care to file a complaint.
Filing a complaint is one tool. Understanding your rights is the foundation.
Report HIPAA violations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at hhs.gov/ocr/complaints or by phone at 1-800-368-1019. Complaints must generally be filed within 180 days of learning about the violation. You can file anonymously, though providing contact information helps OCR investigate.
If a hospital refuses to provide your medical records without a valid HIPAA exception, file a complaint with HHS OCR. You can also contact your state health department and state attorney general's office. In some cases, an attorney can send a demand letter compelling records production. Providers who fail to comply face significant HIPAA penalties.
Report wrongful insurance denials to your state insurance commissioner's office, which regulates insurance companies in your state. For Medicare denials, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). For marketplace plans, file a complaint with CMS. Also file an internal appeal with the insurance company and request an external independent review.