Addiction is a complex condition that impacts many aspects of a person’s life. Living with untreated addiction can negatively affect mental and physical health, relationships, and daily functioning. Drug and alcohol addiction can also become life-threatening. People living with addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment.

While addiction treatment programs can be effective, very few people with substance use disorder (SUD) get the help they need. One of the barriers between people and addiction recovery treatment may be concern about maintaining privacy.

This article will explore what regulations and laws are in place to keep your personal information private during rehab.

If you or someone you love struggles with SUD, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at The Best Treatment to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Why is Confidentiality Important During Rehab?

A recovery journey typically starts in a rehab center, where people receive comprehensive care. Rehab programs include medical care, behavioral therapies, education, and other support. Seeking treatment can help people overcome the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of their addiction.

However, many people living with addiction worry about their privacy during rehab. They may wish to keep information about their addiction and treatment confidential.

There are several reasons people may want confidentiality during rehab. They include:

• Shame or guilt about drug or alcohol abuse
• Fear of losing employment
• Worry they may lose custody of their children
• Fear of legal issues related to substance abuse

People living with SUD need treatment but must feel confident their information will be confidential. People must understand that they are in control of their personal information. People must understand they can share information about their addiction and recovery if and when they feel ready.

There are several laws and regulations protecting privacy during addiction treatment. Understanding these protections may help people feel more comfortable seeking the help they need to recover from addiction.

How HIPAA Protects Privacy During Rehab

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law. It prohibits the sharing of sensitive health information without consent. Since 1996, this law has protected the confidentiality of every patient’s information, including:

• Demographic information (name, age, gender, contact information, etc)
• Where they received care
• Type of health care a person received
• Health status
• Payment methods

HIPAA protects sensitive health information at every stage of a person’s treatment. It mandates how health systems and insurance companies store and share online medical records during treatment and billing.

HIPAA protects patient privacy by preventing healthcare professionals, treatment facilities, and insurance companies from distributing information to anyone. This includes employers, other medical providers, and family members.

The Role of Consent in Rehab

Consent is an essential aspect of protecting privacy during rehab. Federal laws, including HIPAA, protect the confidentiality of health information. These laws and regulations maintain the privacy of all information related to SUD treatment. This includes a person’s presence at a treatment facility.

Treatment facility staff take caution when working with sensitive information. They cannot share any information, even with a patient’s current medical providers, without explicit, written consent. They may not disclose information about a person’s presence in the facility or the care they receive. They may not share any other personal information without the patient’s consent.

During admission, staff may ask a person if they consent to sharing health information. They may ask about their wish to share information with existing providers, family members, or others. If the person consents to share information about their treatment, they will sign a consent form for each person or provider. The patient may withdraw or change their consent at any time throughout treatment without consequence.

Patients Rights During Addiction Treatment

Federal laws require medical providers, insurance companies, and healthcare systems to protect patients’ information at every stage of care. Doctors and healthcare systems must also protect patients’ confidentiality and obtain written consent before sharing any information about a person’s treatment.

Before starting treatment, patients must receive a copy of the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBR). This document includes all of the rights patients have within the healthcare system. These rights include:

• Access to timely emergency care
• Respect and dignity
• The ability to participate in all healthcare decisions
• Privacy during treatment
• Confidentiality of medical records
• Continuity of care
• Access to medical records and the right to request changes

Healthcare providers, treatment facilities, and healthcare systems must ensure privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at every stage of treatment.

People living with SUD require holistic treatment to overcome substance abuse and addiction. Understanding the laws and regulations protecting privacy during rehab may help people feel more comfortable seeking treatment.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at The Best Treatment to learn about our holistic treatment and support programs. You may reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Your Rights Under HIPAA