Rule change would reduce barriers to SUD treatment disclosure

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has proposed changes to 42 CFR Part 2, the rule governing how information from the records of patients receiving treatment for substance used disorder (SUD) may be shared. The changes would allow more entities to provide and get information from prescription drug monitoring programs. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has long held that 42 CFR Part 2 creates unnecessary barriers to sharing vital patient information and puts patients in treatment for SUD at risk. “We commend the administration for taking steps to improve safety for patients seeking substance use disorder treatment. In particular, we appreciate the support for data reporting in prescription drug monitoring programs, with patient consent, and the clarification of the role primary care physicians can play in coordinating treatment,” AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels told AHA Today. (Federal Register notice, 8/26/19)