General information regarding your health care, including payment for health care, is protected by two Federal laws: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 42 U.S. C. 1320d et seq., 45 CFR, Parts 160 & 164 and the Confidentiality Law, 42 U.S.C. 290dd-2, 42 CFR, Part 2.

Under these laws, SBHS may not say to any person outside the agency that you received services through this agency, nor may this agency disclose any information identifying you as having a substance related problem, or disclose any other protected health information except as permitted by Federal laws. This agency must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information about you for payment purposes. Consents may be revoked at any time by your written signature and date on appropriate forms. Generally, you must also sign a written consent before it can share information for treatment purposes or for healthcare operations.