Practice Management
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the physician-patient relationship, and it is especially important for patients with addiction.
Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records
Patients with substance use disorders are often reluctant to tell their healthcare professionals about their condition due to the potentially negative legal and social ramifications associated with addiction Unfortunately, this reluctance to share this information, coupled with the stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease of addiction, exacerbates the addiction treatment gap in this country.
To help address this issue, federal regulations known as "42 CFR Part 2" protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) records of any person who has sought treatment for or been diagnosed with a SUD at a 42 CFR Part 2 aims to encourage people to seek SUD treatment without fear.
ASAM appreciates the heightened need for confidentiality protections of a patient's SUD records covered by 42 CFR Part 2, as well as the need for complete and accurate medical information to be shared for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. ASAM will continue to advocate for striking this critical balance in its advocacy activities.
Countdown to Compliance: SUD Treatment Privacy Regulations Modernization
SUD treatment providers should ensure they are prepared by February 16, 2026, to meet the upcoming compliance requirements for handling SUD treatment patient records.
Additional Resources
For more information on the potential implications for Part 2 programs, recipients of Part 2 records, patients, and electronic health record (EHR) vendors/health information exchanges (HIEs), click .
If you need direct assistance, please contact the Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information (CoE-PHI) .