Final answer:
A patient must typically file a complaint against a Covered Entity to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 180 days from when the issue was known or should have been known. An extension may be granted for good cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient chooses to make a complaint against a Covered Entity (CE) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding a violation of health information privacy or security rules, the complaint must typically be filed within 180 days from the date the complaint was known or should have been known. However, this period may be extended if the Secretary deems that there was good cause for the delay.
Complaints like these are related to the enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects patient health information. It is essential for healthcare providers and other entities bound by HIPAA to maintain compliance with its regulations to avoid such complaints and potential sanctions.