Preparing to Have the Conversation: Checklist For Peer Support Specialists

Organizations that provide substance use treatment services may go about addressing privacy and consent to use or disclose (i.e., share) information about the services a client receives differently. They may use different types of consent forms, collect information about services clients receive in different ways, and offer different options for payment for services when clients don’t have or don’t want to use their insurance.

Where to Start? Always start by meeting with your supervisor to talk broadly about your role and identifying the key person that can answer questions about health information privacy (i.e., Privacy and Compliance Officer, Supervising Nurse, Center Director/Manager). Meet with that identified person(s), discuss ways you can support the team in ensuring your client has information that can help them make an informed decision about consent to share their treatment information. Use this checklist to gather information during your meeting(s) that will help you support your client.