Webinar Overview

Navigating the stringent confidentiality requirements for substance use and mental health treatment records is a critical responsibility for any organization handling this deeply sensitive information. This training session provides a clear and actionable guide to complying with the federal regulations enforced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under 42 CFR Part 2.

We will address the essential role of practice managers, compliance officers, and business associates in ensuring their organizations meet these strict federal standards. The webinar will cover the latest regulatory updates released in 2024 and provide practical guidance through real-world scenarios and frequently asked questions. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of the proper methods for securing and legally disclosing these records, supported by a comparative analysis that highlights the key differences between SAMHSA and the more familiar HIPAA regulations.

Why You Should Attend

The protections for substance use and mental health records are among the most rigorous in all of healthcare, with significant legal and financial ramifications for non-compliance. This webinar is essential if your organization works with this type of protected information.

Attend to get clear answers to critical questions:

• Is your organization fully aware of its obligations under the updated SAMHSA regulations?

• Do you understand the specific steps required to legally secure and release these sensitive records?

• Are you confident in your ability to distinguish between SAMHSA and HIPAA requirements to avoid costly compliance missteps?

SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of behavioral health conditions on communities, and its regulations are designed to foster trust by ensuring patient confidentiality. Protecting this trust begins with a thorough understanding of 42 CFR Part 2.

Areas Covered in the Session

• 2024 Regulatory Update: A review of the latest changes and clarifications to 42 CFR Part 2.

• Understanding SAMHSA: The scope and mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

• Security in a Mobile World: Best practices for securing records on portable devices like laptops and smartphones.

• Lawful Disclosure: Clarifying when and how records can be released, including the critical role of patient consent.

• Documentation Requirements: Ensuring proper documentation for all disclosures and consents.

• Enforcement Landscape: Understanding the potential penalties and consequences for non-compliance.

• SAMHSA vs. HIPAA: A direct comparative analysis to clarify which rules apply and when.

• Scope of Compliance: Identifying all entities and individuals who must comply with these regulations.

• Implementing Best Practices: Actionable strategies to build and maintain a robust compliance program.

Who Will Benefit

This training is crucial for a wide range of professionals and organizations, including:

• Practice and Compliance Managers in behavioral health

• Business Associates (Billing Companies, IT Vendors, Transcription Services, Answering Services, Home Health Agencies, etc.)

• Medical Coders and Billers

• Attorneys serving healthcare clients

• Physicians, Therapists, Counselors, and Other Medical Professionals

• Any entity that handles, processes, or stores substance use or mental health treatment records.