Will Rehab Go On My Record?
Those who seek treatment for substance use disorder may have several concerns, including those regarding their privacy during this vulnerable time. If you are in this position, you may wonder, “Does rehab go on your medical record?” Having answers to this question and others can help prevent obstacles in receiving the treatment you need to begin your journey of recovery.
This page will outline the privacies provided to you as you seek treatment for substance use disorder, as well as information such as whether your employer will be informed about your treatment or if rehab will show up on a background check in the future.
Does Rehab Go On Your Record?
No, rehab will not go on any record that can be accessed by the public or without your permission. However, it is important to understand how documentation works while in rehab.
When you are in treatment, those providing you with care will create documentation that houses important information, such as substance use assessments, treatment plans, drug test results, medications you are prescribed, and so on. Just as in any other healthcare setting, this documentation’s sole purpose is to enable providers with critical information related to your situation so they can provide you with safe, effective, and well-informed care.
However, any record that has information regarding mental health treatment, including treatment for substance use disorder, is private and protected under the law. Therefore, you are the only one permitted to view your records unless you provide approval for others to view them.
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or “HIPAA”, is a federal law that addresses the use and disclosure of a person’s health information.1 Under this law, you are empowered with various rights over how your own health data is managed, specifically how it is disseminated. Additional rights include, but are not limited to:1
- Requesting copies of your health records.
- Making amendments to your health records.
- Determining who can and cannot view your records.
Those who are legally bound to follow HIPAA rules and regulations include covered entities (e.g., health insurance companies, healthcare providers, etc.) and business associates (e.g., companies that provide administrative services, billing and payment, accountants, etc.).7 It is illegal for these individuals to disclose information about your health to anyone else other than you without your approved, written consent.1
Will Drug or Alcohol Rehab Show Up On a Background Check?
No. If you receive professional addiction treatment, it will not show up on a background check. Background checks are typically conducted by employers for prospective employees and can only access certain information for the entities that request it.
The main information obtained by a background check includes the following:2
- Identity verification
- Social Security number
- Past places of residence
- Criminal history, if applicable
- Employment history
- Credit history
- Driving record
HIPAA ensures your healthcare information remains private and does not get disclosed to third-party private companies conducting background checks.3
Will My Employer Find Out if I Go to Rehab?
You are not obligated to inform your employer of your health-related conditions, however if your treatment is going to impact your time spent at work, they will need some explanation of why.
For example, if you are in need of inpatient treatment where you will reside at the facility for the duration of your care, or if you are in a program that requires several hours a day of your time (such as a PHP or an IOP), you may benefit from taking Family and Medical Leave, or FMLA. If you make this choice, you will need to be prepared to provide enough information that proves you are taking FMLA for a qualifying reason.4 This typically involves providing a medical certification that contains just enough facts to show you are using FMLA for an approved purpose.4
Should you begin participation in a program that does not affect your work hours, such as an outpatient program, informing your employer is unnecessary, as you can maintain your performance at work while getting treated for a substance use disorder.
Doctor Patient Confidentiality and Addiction
Doctors are bound by the HIPAA laws as defined above. That means that your medical information is confidential. Doctors cannot share your drug use with anyone, including law enforcement, unless there is a legal exception for doing so.
The privacy laws of HIPAA can be breached without written consent in the following instances:5
- Medical emergencies: In some instances, a medical emergency may make it necessary to disclose SUD treatment information.
- Report of child abuse or neglect: If child abuse or neglect is suspected, then medical practitioners are mandated reporters and must provide any health-related information to authorities.
- Immediate threat or criminal activity: If you pose a threat to the health or safety others, your personal health information may be released to stop or mitigate the potential outcome.
Start the Recovery Journey
We know how difficult it can be to take that first step towards recovery. Thankfully, we are only a phone call away. Contact us right now at for more information. An admissions navigator will walk you through the process and verify your health insurance coverage for rehab. He or she can also provide you with more details regarding the levels of care we offer at our facilities, including:
- Inpatient addiction treatment.
- Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs.
- Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs.
- Partial hospitalization program for drug and alcohol addiction.
- Sober living programs.
- Rehab aftercare.
Do not wait one more minute to get the treatment you need. Call us at AAC today.
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