What is the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Rule of 2017?
The Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Rule is a U.S. regulation that accommodates new models of integrated care by allowing for information sharing while safeguarding patient privacy with detailed informed consent requirements for people seeking treatment for substance use issues. Re-disclosure of information is prohibited without express consent.
Information can be disclosed without consent for medical emergencies, scientific research, audits, child abuse reporting, crimes on premises, court orders or with qualified service organizations providing services to the program.
The rule applies to federally assisted programs that provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
It requires formal policies and procedures for the security of both paper and electronic records.