Important Changes to Specially Protected Substance Use Data through Rochester RHIO
Are you an authorized user of Rochester RHIO? Do you use the query portal to search for patient information? Or, do you receive RHIO patient alerts? By March 31, 2019, Rochester RHIO will begin including specially protected substance use and behavioral health care data (SAMHSA, Part 2) in its health information exchange. With patient consent, authorized users and medical professionals will be able to view this data immediately in a patient’s record enabling better patient care.
Note: For additional information on SAMHSA, go to rochesterrhio.org/Samhsa.
Crisis in America
The opioid crisis has devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities across the United States. In 2017, 11.1 million Americans reported misuse of prescription opioids and nearly 900,000 reported heroin use. Responsible, secure sharing and use of this specially protected health information is a critical step in helping combat the opioid epidemic. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is leading efforts to support the implementation of the full range of prevention, treatment and recovery support services to advance behavioral health and reduce the impact of substance use disorders in America.
Why does this matter to me?
As an authorized user of patient information via the Rochester RHIO, it is important to understand your responsibility to be compliant with all relevant federal and state-required changes to Part 2 data delivery.
What is SAMHSA, Part 2 data?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA, or Part 2, data is a term that applies to any service received at a federally-assisted facility, provider, or clinic for the treatment of a substance use disorder or behavioral health care.
Why is this change happening now?
New York State is requiring that all regional health information organizations that comprise the SHIN-NY, including Rochester RHIO, include specially protected substance use disorder and behavioral health care data (Part 2) by March 31, 2019.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about specially protected substance use or behavioral health information (Part 2 data), you can contact your RHIO Account Manager. Or, call our Support Center at 1-877-865-7446 (RHIO).