New SAMHSA Rule Clarifies Data Sharing For Addiction Treatment

On January 3, 2018, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) released a final rule that clarifies how consumer records related to addiction treatment may be used and shared by provider organizations, health plans, and their legal representatives, contractors, and subcontractors. The rule goes into effect February 2, 2018. This final rule aligns the requirements of rules governing confidentiality for addiction treatment records more closely with privacy protections of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The major provisions address the following:

Permit additional disclosures of consumer identifying information, with consumer consent, to facilitate payment and health . . .