In substance use treatment settings, what privacy rule commonly governs disclosures?

• A. HIPAA
• B. 42 CFR Part 2
• C. FERPA
• D. OSHA

Answer: (B)

Disclosures in substance use treatment are governed by 42 CFR Part 2, a federal privacy rule that provides heightened confidentiality for records identifying someone as receiving substance use disorder treatment. It requires specific, written patient consent before sharing such information and restricts how recipients may re-disclose it. This stricter framework is in place to protect individuals from stigma and to encourage them to seek and stay in treatment.

While HIPAA sets the general protections for health information across many settings, 42 CFR Part 2 is the targeted rule for substance use treatment records and often imposes tighter restrictions. FERPA and OSHA address education records and workplace safety, not the disclosures of SUD treatment records.