Therapist and client wear protective face masks

Our Mission

Multiple federal laws and regulations protect the privacy of information for people who receive health services related to mental health and/or substance use. These laws and regulations inform policy and practice related to protecting patient privacy and sharing patient information. 

The Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information (also known as the CoE-PHI) is funded by SAMHSA to assist people and organizations in understanding and applying these federal health privacy laws and regulations — on the job, specific to their task or role — and to assist patients and families in knowing what their privacy rights are when seeking or receiving treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

Approach

Designed to provide assistance and support to state and local public health authorities, healthcare teams, school professionals, patients, and their families, the CoE-PHI provides:

  • Expert training provided virtually through national webinars and face-to-face (limited amount annually)
  • Individualized Technical Assistance provided through remote virtual calls
  • eLearning Modules
  • Video-based learning
  • Archived webinars
  • Resources and tools that can be accessed 24/7 to help you confidently interpret and apply privacy regulations on the job and in practice
  • Training resources to assist in training organizational staff

Resources, training, technical assistance, and any other information provided through the CoE-PHI do not constitute legal advice. 

Team and Advisors

The CoE-PHI is administered by CAI Global and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). CoE-PHI is a partnership between CAI Global and principle legal partner the Legal Action Center, as well as the Network for Public Health Law, and other renowned individual subject matter experts.

Combined, our team has expertise in federal health privacy laws and regulations, as well as the organization and delivery of substance use and mental health treatment services and other healthcare services, school-based health services, consumer and family engagement, workforce development, training, technical assistance, and systems strengthening.

Abigail English, JD
Abigail English, JD
Legal Subject Matter Expert
Abigail is a lawyer, researcher, and advocate for the rights of vulnerable young people. She provides consultation services to nonprofit organizations and public agencies on legal and policy issues in…
Ashleigh Giovannini, J.D., LL.M., CIPP/US
Ashleigh Giovannini, J.D., LL.M., CIPP/US
Health Privacy Law Compliance Senior Associate
Health Privacy Law Compliance Senior Associate Ashleigh Giovannini is the Health Privacy Law Compliance Senior Associate for the CoE-PHI at CAI. Ashleigh has expertise in federal and state laws, rules,…
Sally Friedman, JD
Sally Friedman, JD
LAC Project Lead
Sally Friedman is the Vice President of Legal Advocacy at the Legal Action Center. Since joining the Center in 1993, Sally has successfully litigated cases challenging employment, housing, and other…
Christine Khaikin, JD
Christine Khaikin, JD
Senior Health Privacy Associate
Christine Khaikin is the Senior Health Privacy Associate for the COE-PHI and a Health Policy Attorney at the Legal Action Center, where she participates in all aspects of their substance…
Jacqueline Seitz, JD
Jacqueline Seitz, JD
Health Privacy Lead
Jacqueline Seitz is the Health Privacy Lead for the COE-PHI, and Senior Staff Attorney for Health Privacy at the Legal Action Center, where she provides legal counsel and technical assistance…
Meghan Mead, JD
Meghan Mead, JD
Legal Subject Matter Expert
Meghan Mead is a legal subject matter expert for the CoE-PHI and Deputy Director for the Mid-States region at the Network for Public Health Law. Meghan has expertise in data…
Michael Graziano, MPA, CPHQ
Michael Graziano, MPA, CPHQ
Project Director
Michael is the Project Director for the Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information (CoE-PHI) at CAI.  He has over 20 years of experience working in healthcare settings in including…
National Advisory Group

The CoE-PHI has convened a national advisory group, comprised of experts in the field and national associations that represent SUD and mental health program administrators, providers, and the patients and families they serve. The group makes sure that CoE-PHI activities are responsive to the needs of the field.  Members act as advisors in the development of CoE-PHI training and technical assistance activities, resources and educational materials and promote broad awareness of CoE-PHI resources throughout their networks.

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This website is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award with 100% funded by SAMHSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by SAMHSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.