Confidentiality of addiction counseling records in the United States is governed by which regulation?

The correct focus regarding the confidentiality of addiction counseling records in the United States is on 42 CFR Part 2. This regulation specifically addresses the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records and provides strong protections for the privacy of individuals receiving substance abuse treatment. It is designed to safeguard sensitive information from being disclosed without a patient’s consent, which is crucial in encouraging individuals to seek treatment without fear of stigma or legal repercussions.

While HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) offers broad privacy protections for healthcare information, 42 CFR Part 2 establishes more stringent requirements specifically for substance use treatment records. State laws may also play a role in privacy protections, but they can vary widely and may not offer the same level of confidentiality as guaranteed under federal law. OSHA, on the other hand, is primarily related to workplace safety and health standards and does not govern patient confidentiality in addiction treatment.

Thus, the significance of 42 CFR Part 2 lies in its targeted legal framework that directly protects patients receiving addiction counseling, making it essential for professionals in this field to understand and comply with these regulations to ensure clients' rights to confidentiality are upheld.