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Topic: Treatment

How HIPAA Allows Doctors to Respond to the Opioid Crisis

This resource explains how HIPAA allows healthcare professionals to share health information with a patient’s loved ones during emergencies or dangerous situations, such as an opioid overdose, when doing so is in the patient’s best interest. It clarifies that health providers can disclose information to family and caregivers without patient consent if the patient is incapacitated or poses a serious and imminent threat to their health. Additionally, it outlines limitations on sharing information for patients who have decision-making capacity and recognizes state laws regarding personal representatives who have authority over a patient’s health information.

How HIPAA Helps Family and Friends Stay Connected with Loved Ones Who Have a Substance Use Disorder, including Opioid Abuse, or a Mental or Behavioral Health Condition 

This resource explains how HIPAA allows healthcare providers to share necessary health information with family and friends of individuals with substance use disorders (including opioid abuse) or mental health conditions when it is in the patient’s best interest. It outlines how providers can notify loved ones in emergencies, share relevant treatment details for caregiving purposes, and grant full access to personal representatives who have legal decision-making authority.

When can I obtain treatment information about my loved one? (decision chart)

The HIPAA Decision Tree for Adult Patients is a guide that helps determine when a healthcare provider can share treatment information about an adult patient under HIPAA regulations, based on factors such as the patient’s decision-making ability, the requester’s role in their care, and potential risks to the patient.

Fentanyl and Opioid Use in Behavioral Health: Addressing Impacts on Severe Mental Illness and Effective Treatment Strategies

This online video explores the profound challenges and strategies for addressing co-occurring severe mental illness (SMI) and opioid use. Led by Mark H. Broadhead, MD, this session delves into the physiological and psychological impacts of fentanyl use, its effects on medication efficacy, and the complexities of treatment. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based strategies for integrated care, contingency management, and the importance of connectivity in therapeutic interventions.

Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs (2024)

This manual provides guidelines for operating an opioid treatment program. It covers patient-centered care planning, assessment, admission, and monitoring; medication administration and use; medical and clinical provisions and practices; certification and accreditation; and the importance of practitioner judgment in providing care.