Overview:

This session addresses the critical compliance responsibilities for practice managers, business administrators, and compliance officers regarding the federal regulations under 42 CFR Part 2, governed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

We will explore the most recent regulatory updates issued in January 2024, address common scenarios and frequently asked questions pertaining to substance abuse, mental health, and alcohol abuse records, and outline the proper methods for securing and disclosing this highly sensitive information. The presentation will also include a comparative analysis, highlighting the key differences between SAMHSA regulations and the standard HIPAA guidelines for protected health information.

Why you should Attend:

• Does your organization handle patient records related to substance abuse or mental health?

• Are you fully informed of the stringent federal regulations that govern this specific category of protected information?

• Do you understand the significant consequences and legal ramifications of non-compliance?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services dedicated to advancing the nation's behavioral health. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American communities, and its regulations carry the full force of law.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Summary of the 2024 Regulatory Updates

• Understanding SAMHSA and 42 CFR Part 2

• Security Protocols for Portable Devices and Electronic Records

• Permissible Circumstances and Methods for Releasing Records

• Required Documentation and Recordkeeping

• Enforcement Mechanisms and Potential Penalties

• A Comparative Analysis: SAMHSA vs. HIPAA

• Determining Which Entities Must Comply

• Implementing Organizational Best Practices

Who Will Benefit:

• Practice and Business Managers

• Medical Professionals (MDs, DOs, Therapists, etc.)

• Business Associates handling this sensitive data, including:

  • Billing and Coding Companies

  • IT and Software Service Providers

  • Transcription Services

  • Home Health Agencies

  • Legal Counsel serving healthcare entities

• Compliance Officers and Administrative Staff