Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2018 Issue 3
HIPAA: HIPAA Imparts Updated Guidance in Midst of Opioid Crisis
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Article Overview
This article covers federal guidance issued in response to the opioid public health emergency, focusing on how HIPAA privacy rules are being clarified for provider communication with family members, friends, and legal representatives during crisis situations. It also discusses the relationship between HIPAA and stricter federal confidentiality requirements for substance use disorder treatment, along with the roles of HHS-OCR, SAMHSA, CDC, and related federal policy updates. The piece is aimed at healthcare providers, compliance staff, and others who need to understand privacy and information-sharing obligations in opioid-related care settings.
Why This Topic Matters
The article is relevant because it clarifies how federal privacy guidance applies in urgent care and addiction-treatment contexts, helping providers understand when information sharing may be permitted and when additional confidentiality rules may apply.
Article Sections
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Background
Introduces the opioid epidemic context, federal public health messaging, and the reason guidance was issued.
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How Does the PHE Impact HIPAA?
Summarizes the federal clarification on HIPAA information sharing during crisis situations and the agencies involved.
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SAMHSA Rules Trump New Guidance for Some Providers
Discusses the relationship between HIPAA guidance and substance use disorder confidentiality requirements for certain treatment settings.
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Will Increased Information Sharing Impact PHI Standards?
Raises broader privacy and compliance considerations associated with changing information-sharing expectations.
What You Will Learn
- How federal guidance relates to HIPAA privacy in opioid-related crisis care
- Which agencies are involved in the clarification and oversight
- How substance use disorder confidentiality requirements can affect information sharing
- What general privacy and compliance issues providers should consider when sharing patient information
Who Should Read This
- Healthcare providers
- Compliance officers
- Privacy and health information management professionals
- Medical office staff involved in patient information handling
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