OPEN MINDS Releases Guide For Sharing Addiction Treatment Information In New Market Intelligence Report

Gettysburg, Pa. (June 17, 2016) —

Code of Federal Regulations: 42 CFR, Part 2 (42 CFR) is the federal regulation governing the sharing of consumer addiction information. 42 CFR applies to organizations that receive federal funding and consider themselves addiction treatment providers. In February 2016, SAMHSA released a proposal that would modify 42 CFR requirements related to how consumers can designate consent. The OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence team recently analyzed the proposed regulation revisions and compiled a guide for sharing addiction treatment information, explaining when information can and cannot be shared.

The guide is outlined in the recent OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence Report, “What Are The Privacy Rules For Sharing Addiction Treatment Information & How Are Health Information Exchanges Addressing These Rules?”, which tackles the following issues related to 42 CFR:

• The specific regulations that govern when addiction treatment information can and cannot be shared including what organizations are subject to 42 CFR and what organizations are not subject to the regulations
• The proposed revisions to 42 CFR and a direct comparison to the current regulations
• An explanation of the different types of HIEs and how addiction treatment may be included on HIEs
• Examples of HIEs that have included 42 CFR data on their exchange

42 CFR does not address the sharing of information between provider organizations trying to provide whole person care through accountable care organizations, health homes, and other care coordination models. Crucial to these efforts is the ability of provider organizations to share information including addiction treatment information.

As a result of 42 CFR and state laws, some HIEs exclude behavioral health providers and behavioral health information from the HIE completely. Other HIEs have found a work around to the challenges. Each state HIE chooses to handle their data sharing in different ways. The Market Intelligence Report provides profiles of states that have developed ways to include behavioral health information in their HIE.

For a detailed summary of the report, check out the article, How Do We Include Addiction In Care Coordination?, which is available at no cost to the public.

“Sharing addiction treatment data for the purpose of care coordination is both a necessity, and achievable,” explains Athena Mandros, OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence Manager and co-author of the report. “This report provides a deep dive into 42 CFR and HIEs to help provider organizations gain a technical understanding of the rules.”

Published weekly by OPEN MINDS’ team of experts, the Market Intelligence Reports are provided as a free resource to Premium & Elite members of the OPEN MINDS Circle. Click here for details on how to become a Premium or Elite member. The reports are also available for purchase in the OPEN MINDS store by clicking here.

OPEN MINDS is a national strategic advisory firm specializing in the sectors of the health and human service industry serving individuals with complex support needs: mental health; addiction treatment; children & family services; intellectual & developmental disabilities; chronic disease management; long term care; social services; correctional health care, reentry & diversion; and juvenile justice.

Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates believe by providing the latest market intelligence and management best practices to organizations serving the health and social support needs of the most vulnerable consumers, those organizations will be better able to provide efficient and effective services. Learn more at www.openminds.com.

For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Angela McDonald, Marketing Manager, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or openminds@openminds.com.