Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

This final rule makes changes to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) regulations governing the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records. These changes are intended to better align the regulations with advances in the U.S. health care delivery system while retaining important privacy protections for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. This final rule addresses the prohibition on re-disclosure notice by including an option for an abbreviated notice. This final rule also addresses the circumstances under which lawful holders and their legal representatives, contractors, and subcontractors may use and disclose patient identifying information for purposes of payment, health care operations, and audits and evaluations. Finally, this final rule is making minor technical corrections to ensure accuracy and clarity in SAMHSA's regulations.