HIPAA Helps Family and Friends Stay Connected

HIPAA helps family and friends stay connected with loved ones who have SUDs or mental health conditions.

OCR guidance explaining when HIPAA permits health and mental health providers to make decisions about communicating with a patient’s family and friends based on their professional judgment about what is best for the patient.

Key Points

  • HIPAA helps you stay connected with your loved one by permitting health professionals to contact you with information related to your family member, friend, or the person you are caring for, that is necessary and relevant to your involvement with the patient’s healthcare or payment for care.