Understanding the New SAMHSA Confidentiality Law for Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2) – 90-Minute Session

This 90-minute interactive webinar focuses on the critical updates and compliance requirements surrounding the SAMHSA Confidentiality Law for Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2). Participants will learn how to ensure their organization complies with these federal regulations and understand the key differences between SAMHSA 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.

Both regulations carry serious civil and criminal penalties if not adhered to, and enforcement by federal authorities has become increasingly proactive. Failure to comply can expose organizations to severe legal consequences, including liability under state laws regarding negligence and invasion of privacy.

During this session, expert guidance will be provided on the latest updates from SAMHSA (January 2018) and HIPAA (December 2017), with practical examples and FAQs covering substance abuse, mental health, and alcohol abuse records. Attendees will gain actionable insights on properly securing, documenting, and releasing sensitive patient information while maintaining full compliance.

A comparative analysis will be presented to highlight the distinctions and overlaps between SAMHSA regulations and HIPAA requirements, enabling attendees to confidently manage protected health information in their organizations.

Why You Should Attend

• Understand the key differences between HIPAA and SAMHSA 42 CFR Part 2, including subtle but impactful distinctions that affect compliance.

• Gain clarity on handling substance use and behavioral health records within your organization.

• Learn about strict federal regulations and the ramifications of non-compliance.

• Explore best practices for securing, documenting, and releasing sensitive patient data.

• Stay informed about SAMHSA’s role within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities.

Areas Covered

• 2024 Updates: Key regulatory changes and enforcement trends.

• Introduction to SAMHSA: Mission, scope, and compliance expectations.

• HIPAA Overview: Understanding privacy and security regulations.

• Use of Portable Devices: Risks and security considerations.

• Proper Record Release: When and how patient information can be shared.

• Required Documentation: Compliance-driven recordkeeping practices.

• Enforcement: Civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance.

• SAMHSA vs HIPAA: Comparative scenarios to illustrate critical differences.

• Compliance Responsibility: Identifying staff and organizational roles.

• Best Practices: Practical strategies to ensure adherence and mitigate risk.

Who Will Benefit

This webinar is essential for healthcare professionals, compliance officers, and business associates who handle sensitive patient information, including:

• Practice Managers

• Physicians, Nurses, and other Medical Professionals

• Business Associates working with healthcare practices or hospitals, such as:

  • Billing Companies

  • Transcription Services

  • IT Companies

  • Answering Services

  • Home Health Providers

  • Coders

  • Attorneys

Relevant Organizations

• Private Practices

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Billing and Transcription Companies

• Home Health Agencies

• Health Insurance Companies

• Ambulatory Care Facilities

• IT and Compliance Consulting Firms

• Legal Offices serving healthcare organizations