The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces that it will hold a public listening session on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, to solicit information concerning the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records Regulations, 42 CFR Part 2. This session will be held in Rockville, MD, to obtain direct input from stakeholders on updating the regulations. The scheduled listening session provides an opportunity for SAMHSA to seek public input on potential changes to the regulations. According to SAMHSA, the inability to share information is preventing some patients from fully benefiting from appropriate treatment models. As a result, SAMSHA is attempting to tweak regulations so those individuals can have full access to coordinated care, while still ensuring their personal information isn't at risk for exposure to unauthorized personnel.

The ability to share information about substance abuse disorders to enhance patient treatment options has the potential to greatly improve acute care provided to patients. While Health information exchange organizations (HIEs), Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and others are encouraged to participate, national organizations involved in emergency care and community health may find value in this important opportunity. Information specifically solicited by SAMHSA is included in the notice.

More information is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/05/12/2014-10913/confidentiality-of-alcohol-and-drug-abuse-patient-records.