Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which regulations govern the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patients?

1. 29 CFR

2. 42 CFR Part 2

3. 21 CFR

4. 44 CFR

The correct answer is: 42 CFR Part 2

The regulation that governs the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patients is 42 CFR Part 2. This federal regulation provides specific guidelines aimed at protecting the privacy of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. It establishes the legal framework for how a patient's treatment records can be disclosed and emphasizes the need for patient consent before sharing any information related to their treatment. 42 CFR Part 2 is particularly significant because it recognizes the sensitivity of information regarding substance use and aims to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of stigma or disclosure. The regulation restricts the dissemination of patient-related information to ensure that only authorized entities are given access, and any disclosures must be made with the individual's knowledge and permission, safeguarding their right to confidentiality. In contrast, the other options reference different realms of regulatory oversight that do not specifically focus on substance abuse confidentiality. For example, 29 CFR generally pertains to labor and employment regulations, while 21 CFR relates to food and drug safety. The 44 CFR focuses on emergency management and disaster assistance and does not pertain to patient confidentiality. Hence, 42 CFR Part 2 is the appropriate regulation that addresses the confidentiality of patients undergoing treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.