HHS Civil Rights

On @WorldDSDay, we are reminded that honoring civil rights begins with dignity and respect. People with Down syndrome deserve equal access, inclusion, and opportunity in all aspects of life. Thank you @SecKennedy, @DrMakaryFDA , @HRSAgov, @DrOzCMS, @ACLgov, and our HHS colleagues for joining OCR in recognizing and celebrating this community.

Yesterday, @HHSGov recognized @WorldDSDay by celebrating the lives and resilience of people with Down syndrome. @SecKennedy and @DrMakaryFDA spent meaningful time with local families, underscoring the power of community and our commitment to supporting people with disabilities at every stage of life.

Today, OCR announced investigations of 13 states under the Weldon Amendment based on information that the states are allegedly coercing health care entities that do not provide coverage of, or pay for, abortion contrary to conscience.

Thank you @HIMSS for the opportunity to have OCR Director Paula M. Stannard spotlight key updates at #HIMSS26 on our health information privacy and security work. We were pleased to share the latest on our regulatory priorities, enforcement initiatives, HIPAA audit program, and emerging trends in large breaches.

This is who will Make America Heathy Again.

Thank you @tina_hti for inviting OCR Director Paula M. Stannard to speak with the Healthcare Trust Institute. We appreciated the opportunity to highlight OCR’s latest policy initiatives and enforcement priorities in health information privacy, security, and breach notification.

Earlier this week, @ACFHHS’s letter to states encouraged people of faith to stay the course as foster parents in state child welfare programs. OCR enforces federal protections against discrimination based on conscience and religion in certain HHS-funded programs. If you believe you or someone else has faced discrimination based on religion or the exercise of conscience, you can file a complaint with OCR. hhs.gov/conscience/com…

OCR announced a settlement with MMG Fusion, LLC, a business associate under the HIPAA Rules, for potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. This settlement marks OCR’s 12th enforcement action in its Risk Analysis Initiative. hhs.gov/press-room/ocr…

We still can’t get over MBEC 2026! The pro-life medical voice is getting louder. It was full encouragement, hearing from David Bereit, our platinum sponsors, Office of Civil Rights Director Paula Stannard, Vice Board Chair Dr. Susan Bane, and our CEO Dr. Christina Francis. But most importantly, the medical professionals, students, and residents in the room encouraged each other to keep forging a new path forward in medicine. aaplog.org

Last weekend, Dir. Paula Stannard presented at @aaplog's annual conference, “Forging a New Path Forward in Medicine” in Seattle about how Conscience Rights are Civil Rights and the necessity of protecting them at all levels of medical education, training, and employment.

Last week Dir. Paula Stannard had the opportunity to meet with OCR’s Seattle staff and speak with the Washington State Hospital Association and the Sea Mar Community Health Centers and NeighborCare Health, two Federally Qualified Health Centers operating in the Seattle area. Dir. Stannard discussed current civil rights, conscience, and health information privacy and security issues.

President Trump is defending parental rights and children's health. Today in a letter to all 50 states, @ACFHHS sent a clear message: acknowledging biological reality and exercising sincerely held religious beliefs should not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law.

ICYMI: OCR and @CivilRights are advancing @POTUS’s goals to combat antisemitism. OCR and DOJ announced a joint investigation of whether Lincoln Memorial University is engaging in race and national origin discrimination against Jewish students in violation of federal civil rights laws. justice.gov/opa/pr/justice…

OCR announced a settlement with Top of the World Ranch Treatment Center, a substance use disorder treatment provider, for a potential violation of the HIPAA Security Rule. This settlement mark’s OCR’s 11th enforcement action in its Risk Analysis Initiative. hhs.gov/press-room/ocr…

I’ve teamed up with @KidRock to deliver two simple messages to the American people: GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD.

Beginning on February 16, 2026, the public may file complaints alleging violations of the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records at 42 CFR Part 2, breaches must be reported, and OCR may begin investigation and enforcement activities tinyurl.com/599h5met

Justice Department Opens Investigation into Lincoln Memorial University for Discrimination Against Jewish Students justice.gov/opa/pr/justice…

This week OCR entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with Bayhealth Medical Center to resolve a complaint from a deaf individual and secure system-wide change at Bayhealth to ensure effective communication for individuals with disabilities. hhs.gov/press-room/hhs…

We protect conscience and religious liberty so those called to serve may do so with confidence, compassion, and a clear conscience. OCR Director Stannard & @ADM_Christine mark the National Prayer Breakfast by explaining why it matters. WATCH: