Notice to Accompany Disclosures of Information

During the course of their work, organizations that provide substance use treatment services may need to share information with other organizations and professionals, for care coordination and other purposes. Likewise, even if their primary focus is not substance use treatment, healthcare providers and other organizations may receive information from a patient’s substance use treatment providers.

This resource reviews important information that program administrators and providers should know when they share patient information protected by 42 CFR Part 2, the federal regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records.

This resource was authored by Jacqueline Seitz, JD and Sally Friedman, JD.

Key Points

• Changes to Part 2 took effect in April 2024, with a compliance date of February 16, 2026. The Final Rule updated 42 CFR Part 2 to align with HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• One of these changes requires new language in the notice that accompanies disclosure of Part 2-protected records with patient’s written consent.
• There are two versions of the notice: the standard notice and a short, abbreviated notice.