Course Description:

This article examines The Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records. The article reviews when disclosures of patient records are permitted, it provides information about the need for consents forms for disclosures and identifies patient rights and notices regarding disclosures of information. This report is on the SAMSHA website.

This publication provides excellent information for the mental health professional, as confidentiality is a core element of the therapeutic process. This course provides the practitioner with a great deal of much needed information to protect themselves and their clients.

Psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists can benefit from this course.  This course may also be helpful for other practitioners, such as dieticians and nutritionists who may work in team or multidisciplinary environments with clients with substance abuse problems. This course is designed for both clinicians and administrators who are leaders in their agencies. It is particularly appropriate for supervisors, midlevel and upper level managers. It is targeted for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

This course may meet mandatory continuing education requirements for renewal in area of law and confidentiality.  Please check with your state licensing board.

Author:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)

Learning Objectives:  This course will provide the clinician with much needed information regarding confidentiality of substance abuse records under HIPPA guidelines.  Specifically, a professional will:

·         Describe when disclosures are permitted

·         Recognize the need for consents forms for disclosures.

·         Identify patient rights and notices regarding disclosures of information

Citation:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) (2004).  The Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records Regulation and the HIPPA Privacy Rule:  Implications for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs.