OCR launches program to safeguard SUD patient records
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights has announced new measures to protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) patient records, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage treatment seeking.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently took action to safeguard substance use disorder (SUD) patient records, according to an announcement.
The goal of this action is to shield individuals who are looking to treat a SUD from certain stigmas, empowering them to seek treatment. The program will “implement and enforce statutory and regulatory requirements” to “protect the confidentiality of SUD patient records by covered SUD programs.” OCR started receiving complaints regarding SUD record misuse and SUD record breach notifications on February 16. Those who practice noncompliance will be subject to resolution agreements, monetary settlements and penalties, and corrective action plans. More information can be found on HHS’s website.
