Which governmental body has the enforcement authority for HIPAA privacy?

The enforcement authority for HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations lies with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This office is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is specifically tasked with ensuring compliance with the privacy, security, and breach notification rules established under HIPAA. The OCR has the authority to investigate complaints, conduct compliance reviews, and impose civil monetary penalties for violations of HIPAA privacy provisions. Its role is crucial in safeguarding individuals' health information and ensuring that covered entities, such as healthcare providers and insurance plans, adhere to the privacy standards set forth by the law.

OIG (Office of Inspector General) primarily focuses on fraud and abuse within health programs, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) deals with the regulation of food, drugs, and medical devices, while OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is responsible for workplace safety and health regulations. None of these agencies have the specific role of enforcing HIPAA privacy protections, thus reinforcing the importance of OCR as the correct answer.