Drug & Alcohol Rehab Confidentiality: HIPAA Protection & Privacy
If you’re considering addiction treatment, you may have concerns about rehab confidentiality. Many people wonder, “Can a rehab facility confirm if someone is receiving treatment?” or “Does HIPAA protect my privacy in rehab?” Fortunately, addiction treatment is confidential, and federal laws safeguard your privacy.1
Is Going to Rehab Confidential?
Is rehab confidential? Yes, rehab is confidential, but there are exceptions. In certain situations, such as cases involving child neglect or medical emergencies, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may allow a rehab provider to share protected health information (PHI) without consent.2 HIPAA protects your privacy in all treatment settings, whether medical detox, inpatient rehab, or outpatient rehab.
HIPAA Protections for Drug & Alcohol Rehab
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to establish national standards for protecting sensitive patient information.1 This law gives patients control over how their health information is used and shared.1 HIPAA confidentiality in rehab includes:1
- Control over sharing: Patients decide whether and how their health information is disclosed.
- Access to records: Patients have the right to obtain copies of their medical records.
- Amendment of records: Patients can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete records.
- Filing complaints: Patients can file complaints if they believe their privacy rights have been violated by a healthcare provider.
There are exceptions to these laws. In cases of child abuse or neglect, criminal activity, medical emergencies, public safety issues, and other extreme circumstances, some private health information may be disclosed without violating HIPAA regulations.2
Other Medical Records Laws & Protections
In addition to HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 is a federal regulation that provides extra privacy protections for individuals receiving addiction treatment. This law works alongside HIPAA to further safeguard sensitive health information. Key protections under 42 CFR Part 2 include:3
- Written consent required: Rehab providers cannot share private health information without the patient’s written consent.
- Patient rights: Patients have the right to access their rehab records and file complaints if they believe their privacy has been violated.
- Limited disclosures: If a provider shares information with consent, they must clearly explain the scope of disclosure.
- Legal protection: Substance use disorder treatment records cannot be used to prosecute patients for drug-related offenses.
The bottom line: 42 CFR Part 2 establishes stricter privacy protections specifically for individuals undergoing SUD treatment, ensuring their sensitive information remains confidential.
FAQs About Rehab Confidentiality
Start the Recovery Journey
At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we provide comprehensive addiction treatment, from medical detox to aftercare, while prioritizing your privacy. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions, help you navigate health insurance coverage for rehab, verify your insurance, and help you explore your treatment options. Calls are free, confidential, and with no obligation to enter treatment. Call us today at to take the first step toward recovery.