Suchismita Pahi writes:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released proposed changes to the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations (45 C.F.R. Part 2) for the first time since 1987. The proposed changes address challenges that 42 C.F.R. Part 2 programs have faced since the health industry began adopting electronic health information records systems. To that end, the revisions set out in the February 9, 2016 proposed rule are largely meant to facilitate the transfer of information in Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and establish protection for substance abuse records in the electronic health records environment. The proposed rule will enable entities to properly vet HIEs, ensure that patients can receive appropriate emergency care and disclose patient information in a less segmented manner, facilitating greater coordinated patient care.
Read more on BakerHostetler Health Law Update.