Quick answer: Report health and safety violations to the correct agency: food poisoning to your local health department or FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD, HIPAA violations to HHS OCR at hhs.gov/ocr, and hospital complaints to your state health department or CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Health & Safety Reporting Guides
Patient rights, food safety, and medical privacy violations each go to a different agency. Use the guides below to find the correct contact, what evidence to gather, and how to file anonymously when allowed.
Patient & Hospital Complaints
Food Safety
Health & Safety Reporting Agencies
| Issue | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Food poisoning & restaurant safety | Local health dept / FDA | fda.gov | 1-888-SAFEFOOD |
| HIPAA & medical privacy | HHS Office for Civil Rights | hhs.gov/ocr | 1-800-368-1019 |
| Hospital & nursing home quality | CMS / State health dept | 1-800-MEDICARE |
| Workplace health hazards | OSHA | osha.gov | 1-800-321-6742 |
| Prescription drug safety | FDA MedWatch | fda.gov/medwatch |
Can I report a HIPAA violation anonymously?
Yes. The HHS Office for Civil Rights accepts anonymous complaints online at hhs.gov/ocr. You do not need to be the patient affected — anyone who witnesses a violation can file.
Who do I call for food poisoning?
Call your local or county health department first — they investigate restaurants and food establishments. You can also report to the FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD. Save receipts, photos, and medical records if you sought treatment.
How do I complain about a hospital?
File with your state health department’s hospital complaint unit and CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) at 1-800-MEDICARE. Document dates, staff names, and medical records. Most states accept online complaints.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.