Menu
Log in

New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association

Dedicated to Advancing Addiction Professionals in New Hampshire

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance from SAMHSA

March 19, 2020 5:36 PM | Anonymous
Brought to you by the NHADACA Ethics Committee

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance

We emphasize that, under the medical emergency exception, providers make their own determinations whether a bona fide medical emergency exists for purposes of providing needed treatment to patients.

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance

In response to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing this guidance to ensure that substance use disorder treatment services are uninterrupted during this public health emergency. SAMHSA understands that, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on social distancing, as well as state or local government-issued bans or guidelines on gatherings of multiple people, many substance use disorder treatment provider offices are closed, or patients are not able to present for treatment services in person. Therefore, there has been an increased need for telehealth services, and in some areas without adequate telehealth technology, providers are offering telephonic consultations to patients. In such instances, providers may not be able to obtain written patient consent for disclosure of substance use disorder records.

The prohibitions on use and disclosure of patient identifying information under 42 C.F.R. Part 2 would not apply in these situations to the extent that, as determined by the provider(s), a medical emergency exists. Under 42 U.S.C. §290dd-2(b)(2)(A) and 42 C.F.R. §2.51, patient identifying information may be disclosed by a part 2 program or other lawful holder to medical personnel, without patient consent, to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency in which the patient’s prior informed consent cannot be obtained. Information disclosed to the medical personnel who are treating such a medical emergency may be re-disclosed by such personnel for treatment purposes as needed. We note that Part 2 requires programs to document certain information in their records after a disclosure is made pursuant to the medical emergency exception. We emphasize that, under the medical emergency exception, providers make their own determinations whether a bona fide medical emergency exists for purposes of providing needed treatment to patients. 

Learn More

Sign up for a training today!

Discover professional development training events in New Hampshire & surrounding areas.

View Training Events

Announcements

Stay connected with NHADACA! 

Stay Connected

Sign up to get updates, news & more!

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you!
Address
130 Pembroke Road, Suite 150
Concord, NH 03301
view map
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8AM – 4PM
Phone
603.225.7060
Fax
603.589.1191
Email

Connect on Facebook

Join our facebook community! 
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software