Preparing to Have the Conversation: Checklist for Substance Use Treatment Providers

Every provider should have basic knowledge about organizational privacy policy and practice. Use this checklist to make sure you have all the facts.

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

Where to Start? Always start by identifying the key person that can answer questions about health information privacy (i.e., Privacy and Compliance Officer, or Center Director/Manager). Meet with that identified person(s), discuss ways you can support in ensuring your patients have information that can help them make informed decisions about providing consent to share their treatment information. You aren’t expected to know everything and having one or more people that you, or your patient, can go to for answers will be important in helping your patient make an informed decision.