Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 2 (often referred to as 42 CFR Part 2, or simply “Part 2”) regulates the sharing of substance use disorder (SUD) records. Protecting patients’ confidentiality is of the utmost importance but the outdated nature of Part 2 has created barriers for providing the best care possible to individuals with SUD, often leaving clinicians unaware of risks from multiple drug interactions and co-existing medical problems.
In June, the House of Representatives passed HR 6082, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act by a vote of 357 to 57. The OPPS Act enables appropriate sharing of substance use disorder records by aligning Part 2 with HIPAA for purposes of treatment, payment, and operations. The bill also includes criminal, civil, and administrative protections for patients during legal proceedings and applies HIPAA penalties to the Part 2 program to ensure that patients can seek treatment without fear their information will be inappropriately shared.
The Senate is putting the finishing touches on its opioid legislation this week. We need you to take action and urge your US Senator to support Part 2 reform as part of the opioid package.
Call your US Senator to ask him or her to support Part 2 reform as part of the opioid package.
AHIMA’s Advocacy Action Center has everything you need to take action.
Your assistance is critical to getting Part 2 reform passed out of the US Senate!
Lauren Kelly, RHIT
