Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

This final rule makes changes to the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) regulations governing the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records. These changes were prompted by the need to continue aligning 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 (SUDs). SAMHSA strives to facilitate information exchange for safe and effective SUD care, while addressing the legitimate privacy concerns of patients seeking treatment for a SUD. Within the constraints of the authorizing statute, these changes are also an effort to make the regulations more understandable and less burdensome.