The Standard Treatment Center Laws They Must Meet

by | Aug 27, 2021

Addiction can be a challenging and isolating struggle, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you are seeking addiction treatment in Louisville, Kentucky, there is hope.

Choosing to get professional help for your substance misuse issues is a big step and should be applauded. However, deciding whether to undergo treatment as an inpatient or outpatient can be discussed with your chosen treatment facility when you contact them.

Unfortunately, many alcoholics and drug addicts are resistant to treatment. As a result, the number of states passing drug and alcohol treatment laws is growing.

Laws governing involuntary commitment are currently in effect in 37 states and the District of Columbia. However, in Rhode Island and Montana, people suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction are eligible for involuntary commitment. Those suffering from drug addiction, on the other hand, are only eligible in Vermont.

It is only natural to be concerned about what happens next and your rights as a patient with a substance abuse recovery center. After all, any treatment you embark on is likely to affect all areas of your life as you work through your addictions and move forward toward sobriety.

The Standard Treatment Center Laws They Must Meet

There are no formal guidelines for determining whether someone needs to be in an inpatient or residential treatment unit. The decision is usually based on an assessment performed by a physician and another mental health worker and the client’s requests or expressed needs. These individuals that are sent to inpatient or residential treatment units are generally not regarded as a significant risk to themselves or others, and they can function relatively independently, but still require strict supervision and structure.

The Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act (1970) and the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act (1970) are two statutes that deal with the confidentiality of drug and alcohol addiction patients (1972). 

The Departments of Health, Education, and Welfare created federal regulations in 1975, and the Department of Health and Human Services amended them in 1987. Under the Public Health Service Act, Congress recently confirmed and reformed these statutes.

Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996. HIPAA is the industry standard for, among other things, preserving and maintaining the confidentiality of patient health information. HIPAA requires substance abuse treatment clinics, health care professionals, and anyone else involved in patient care, such as health plans and health care clearinghouses, to safeguard patient information when communicating or transferring it electronically.

Ensuring Confidentiality with A Treatment Center

Providers of inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment centers are bound by the laws described above, and those found to be neglecting their legal responsibility are at risk of fines from $500 to $5,000. Furthermore, patients whose confidentiality has been exposed are allowed by law to pursue legal action against the facility. In addition to this, the treatment center could also have their license revoked.

If you are concerned about how your rights and privacy will be affected, then you can contact your treatment center for more information and guidance on the procedures they have in place to ensure patient confidentiality at all times, from the moment you check in to treatment right through to the completion of your program.

Download this article

Our Latest Posts

How Can I Get Checked-In Anonymously To An Addiction Treatment Center?

Seeking help for an addiction can be difficult, but admitting you have an addiction in the first place can be even tougher. Everyone who seeks help for their addiction has to go through the process of admitting they need help, which isn’t always easy to do. While...

What to Know Before Asking for Time Off Work for Addiction Treatment

You can get the addiction treatment you need and still keep your job. In fact, your employer may be very supportive of the process.  After all, if you’re a good employee, they’ll want to hold on to you. That said,...

Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

When you need support to overcome drug and alcohol addiction but also want to keep living your normal life without lengthy stays in rehab, intensive outpatient drug treatment in Louisville is the answer. By providing the best of both worlds, our team of friendly and...

Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

Although an inpatient residential treatment program will often be the best course of action when it comes to severe substance addiction, this is not going to be necessary for everyone. Those who have a mild substance abuse problem with alcohol or drugs may well...

Personalized Recovery Plans: Tailoring Opioid Addiction Treatment To Your Needs

Opioid addiction is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While the road to recovery is never easy, the good news is that treatment approaches are evolving to provide more personalized and effective care. We will dive into...

The Power Of Saying ‘No’: Setting Boundaries To Stay Sober During The Holidays

The holiday season is often filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. However, for those in recovery from addiction, it can also be a time of heightened stress and temptation. The abundance of social gatherings, family pressures, and the availability of alcohol and...

MAT and Counseling: A Comprehensive Approach to Methamphetamine Addiction Recovery

Methamphetamine addiction is a devastating condition that often claims victims who feel like they have no hope of recovery - until now. MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and counseling have proven to be critical pieces in the puzzle for successful methamphetamine...

Your Guide to Paying for Addiction Rehab: Financing Your Path to Sobriety

If you're considering addiction rehab as a way to break free from the grip of substance abuse, then you might be wondering how to pay for it. It's important to understand that there are multiple options available when it comes to financing your recovery journey – from...

4 Ways Wilderness Therapy Prepares You for Life After Addiction Rehab

Recovery from addiction can be a life-altering journey that takes time, dedication, and hard work. While addiction treatment offers essential tools to help you in your recovery process, it’s just the first step on the winding road of sobriety. One of the best ways to...

Family-Centered Treatment: How Loved Ones Play a Vital Role in Addiction Recovery

that the positive influence of family members is so important in the treatment of substance abuse that it has its name: “family-centered treatment” or FCT. We will explore what FCT entails, how families can use it to help their loved one heal from addiction, and the...

Our Video’s

Call Now Button