Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Regulations: Delay of Effective Date

Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Regulations: Delay of Effective Date

On January 18, 2017, SAMHSA published a final rule on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (42 CFR Part 2). The effective date of the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records final rule, published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017, (82 FR 6052) is delayed from February 17, 2017, to a new effective date of March 21, 2017.

View Notice in the Federal Register

Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

In addition to the Final Rule, SAMHSA also issued a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) on January 18, 2017. The SNPRM was issued to seek public input on some additional clarifications and suggestions, especially regarding the important role of contractors, subcontractors, and legal representatives in the health care system with respect to payment and health care operations.

All persons are invited to comment on the proposed clarifications by using one of the methods outlined in the SNPRM. Please note that to be assured consideration, comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17, 2017. All comments received by that deadline will be considered by SAMHSA.