The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule that includes frequently asked questions regarding what is appropriate to share for a patient that is being treated for a mental health condition.

1. Guidance for Mental Health & HIPAA Privacy Rules
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule that includes frequently asked questions
regarding what is appropriate to share for a patient that is being treated for a mental health condition.
The HIPAA guidance clarifies when
health care providers can:
Speak with family members, friends or others involved with the
care of the patient
Consider the patient’s capacity to agree or object to sharing
their information
Involve the family members, friends or others in adhering to the
patient’s medication and therapy
Listen to the patient’s family members talk about the mental
health treatment
Disclose to family members, law enforcement or others when there
is a serious or imminent threat of harm to the patient or others
Convey to law enforcement about the release of the patient who is
in an emergency psychiatric hold
Talk with the parent of a minor being treated
Communicate with family members when the patient is an adult
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