Which agency is referred to by the acronym OCR?

The agency referred to by the acronym OCR is the Office for Civil Rights. This office is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is primarily responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in healthcare and protecting individuals' rights regarding their health information, particularly under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Understanding the role of the Office for Civil Rights is crucial for compliance in healthcare settings, as it works to ensure that all individuals have equal access to healthcare services free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion. Additionally, OCR oversees the enforcement of HIPAA’s Privacy and Security Rules, which safeguard personal health information and ensure individuals’ rights to access their records.

The other agencies listed, while significant in their own contexts, do not align with the responsibilities encapsulated by the acronym OCR. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety, while the Office of Inspector General is involved in investigating fraud and abuse in healthcare programs. Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health pertains to technology and incentives rather than civil rights directly.