Spencer Fane attorney Kristen Petry wrote an article for the National Rural Health Association that highlights the impact of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ release of the final rule under 42 CFR Part 2 on rural providers. In her article, she discusses how this rule aims to ease substance use disorder confidentiality regulations by aligning Part 2 more closely with HIPAA practices.
Kristen outlines the modifications made to regulations on consent for use and disclosure, filing complaints, civil and criminal penalties, notice of privacy practices and breach notifications, segregation of SUD records, and fundraising communications. She emphasizes that rural health care providers who qualify as Part 2 programs should follow these updated policies and procedures to address challenges related to the confidentiality and privacy of substance use treatment in rural communities.
Additionally, she advises providers to be cautious of inadvertently falling into the definition of a Part 2 program. The article was initially published on Spencer Fane’s blog under the title “HHS Releases Final Rule on 42 CFR Part 2.”
As an attorney at Spencer Fane, Kristen helps clients navigate complex litigation and compliance issues in the health care industry. She has extensive experience defending large hospital systems and individual health care providers, providing advice on federal regulations such as HIPAA and CFR Part 2. If you are interested in learning more about the final rule under 42 CFR Part 2 or need legal advice related to your business or practice, contact us today for more information.
