SAMHSA finalizes AHA-backed changes to SUD treatment record-sharing

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Feb. 8 issued a final rule implementing Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provisions to ensure health care providers have more complete and timely information when treating patients with substance use disorder. The AHA-supported rule updates patient consent requirements; aligns disclosure requirements with those under HIPAA regulations; and enables providers to get a patient’s consent just once to share substance use records for treatment and health care operations. 

“America’s hospitals and health systems care for individuals with substance use disorders every day, from reversing overdoses in emergency departments to providing counseling and recovery services to connecting patients with critical resources in their communities,” said Ashley Thompson, AHA’s senior vice president for public policy analysis and development. “The proposals in this rule would substantially improve hospitals’ and health systems’ ability to provide safer, better coordinated care to patients with substance use disorder through vital information sharing.

“The AHA appreciates the Administration taking necessary steps to align different federal requirements such that health care providers can more easily share important patient information while protecting patients’ rights, including their privacy. However, the rule can only go so far given limits in the law. We urge the Administration to work with Congress to update the statutory framework to allow for more meaningful integration of behavioral and physical health care.”