Competent treatment of both pain and addiction requires an understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Key requirements of federal laws and regulations are outlined in this chapter; the authors emphasize the need for an understanding of local and regional laws and precedents, which goes beyond the scope of the chapter, and a separate text box is provided with resources. Also provided is a text box analyzing 2017 changes to the federal Rule 42, CFR, relating to confidentiality and re-disclosure of information specific to treatment of substance use disorders. Areas of chapter focus include: HIPAA, confidentiality, general medical recordkeeping principles and obligations, federal audits (DATA 2000 and buprenorphine), medication storage, reporting requirements and the duty to warn, reports to employers, and the management of an office closure.
Legal Issues in Medical Management of Violent and Threatening Patients
