Emergencies

First responders often gain access to sensitive information about people’s substance use disorders (SUD) and treatment. Protecting the privacy of this information is key to these individuals’ recovery. It also is required by law. This resource explains the limited circumstances under which two federal privacy laws apply to SUD information obtained by first responders. It also describes how these laws permit first responders to share protected information.

Guidance issued by OCR explaining how HIPAA allows health care professionals to disclose PHI without a patient's consent in certain emergency situations, such as when a patient is unconscious or to prevent a serious and imminent threat to a patient's health or safety.

CoE-PHI resource to summarize recent OCR guidance about sharing information with family members after an overdose.

OCR guidance for parents regarding the rights of parents and their children under HIPAA as children become adults.

OCR guidance issued informing patients when HIPAA may permit a healthcare provider to notify family, friends, or other caregivers about a patient's location and general condition.

OCR guidance explaining when HIPAA permits health and mental health providers to make decisions about communicating with a patient's family and friends based on their professional judgment about what is best for the patient.