PCPA members have expressed major problems with the confidentiality regulations for many years. The association sent a letter on behalf of PCPA members, but the Departments of Health and Welfare want to receive letters directly from you and your clients. Apparently, the departments have received many letters demanding no change. Although they know PCPA is 100 drug and alcohol members strong, they want letters from you and your clients NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 20. If letters are not received by February 20 it appears that these regulations may NEVER change. The list below includes a few items of concern that members have expressed over the years. Feel free to include them in your letters.
- The federal regulations are more than sufficient. The current confidentiality law no longer achieves its intended purpose: To protect. In fact, we contend that the outdated laws hurt the client/family seeking treatment. No other state in the country has similar restrictions.
- It is hard for the client to understand that in many cases that, even with their support and informed consent, the current regulations do not allow the provider to share needed information.
- Individuals in the drug and alcohol service system often need help navigating other systems and applying for much needed benefits. The problems with 255.5(b) make it difficult to work with other important partners in the individual’s recovery process such as the child welfare system, Social Security, and the criminal justice system.
- The 255.5(b) regulations make it difficult to get appropriate approvals/authorizations from insurance companies and managed care organizations for higher levels of care, continued care, and appropriate medications.
Questions can be addressed by contacting Lynn Cooper at the association. Letters should be sent to department secretaries at the following addresses:
Calvin B. Johnson,
M.D., Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Health
8th Floor West Health and Welfare Building
P.O. Box 90
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Estelle Richman,
Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
333 Health & Welfare Bldg
Harrisburg PA 17105
