The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Health and Human Services has launched a web-based portal so medical mobile app developers can ask their “burning” questions about HIPAA compliance.

The site, released last week, is designed to start a dialogue with mobile app developers about HIPAA requirements and how it can be more understandable in the digital age.

According to the OCR, “[A]ny posting or commenting is not going to be looked at for any enforcement action” so there is no risk of asking away before app developers launch their product. Of course, keep in mind that HIPAA compliance is a tricky matter and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties.