What is 42 CFR Part 2 and 42 CFR Parts 160 and 164?

Answer 1

42 CFR Part 2 is a federal regulation that protects the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records, ensuring that individuals seeking treatment are not discriminated against and that their privacy is maintained. In contrast, 42 CFR Parts 160 and 164, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), establish standards for the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). While Part 2 specifically focuses on substance use treatment records, the HIPAA regulations provide broader protections for all health information, including how it can be shared and stored. Both sets of regulations aim to safeguard patient privacy but apply to different contexts and types of health information.