What department helps protect patients from unfair treatment or discrimination?

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is primarily responsible for ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination in various settings, particularly in healthcare. This office oversees the enforcement of civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.

When it comes to healthcare, the OCR enforces the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well, which establishes standards for the protection of patient information. Additionally, OCR handles complaints related to discrimination in health care settings, making sure that patients receive equal access to services and are treated with respect and fairness.

This makes the Office for Civil Rights a key entity in the protection of patient rights against unfair treatment or discrimination, aligning directly with the responsibilities that pertain to civil rights in the healthcare sector. The other departments listed do play vital roles in law enforcement and oversight but are not specifically aimed at protecting patients' rights in the context of discrimination and unfair treatment in healthcare settings.